Nafiu Bala, a senior figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has confirmed his attendance at the July 2025 unveiling of the party’s interim leadership under David Mark, amid ongoing debates over the legitimacy of the appointments.
Since the coalition assumed control in July 2025, ADC has faced an internal crisis, with Bala and the Mark-led faction both claiming leadership. The dispute escalated into protracted legal battles, prompting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-recognise both factions on Wednesday, citing a March 12 Court of Appeal ruling.
Viral videos obtained by TheCable show Bala at the ADC event held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, seated alongside former Labour Party chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo and other stakeholders. Footage confirmed by multiple party sources shows Bala present during the ceremony where Lauretta Onochie, former presidential aide, introduced him as ADC deputy national chairman (intergovernmental affairs).
Despite his presence, Bala insists he did not endorse the appointments of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. In a statement on Tuesday, he clarified that the meeting, convened on July 2, 2025, was intended to adopt ADC as a unified platform for coalition partners not to install new party leaders.
“Contrary to expectations, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, the then National Chairman, announced his resignation, issued membership cards to Sen. David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, and declared them Acting National Chairman and National Secretary,” Bala said. He added that Nwosu’s actions violated Articles 8(2) and 9(4) of the ADC Constitution (2022, as amended), which do not empower an outgoing chairman to appoint a successor.
Bala emphasized that there was no formal vote or consensus on the appointments. “Several National Working Committee members, including myself, were taken aback by the developments,” he said. The controversy also led to the resignation of Sa’id Baba Abdullahi, the party’s then national secretary.
“My attendance at the meeting and previous engagements with coalition partners do not imply endorsement of the irregular appointments,” Bala concluded. “I hope this clarification addresses concerns raised by circulating videos and sets the record straight.”
