By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
A leadership crisis has erupted in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after Nafiu Bala, the party’s 2023 Gombe State governorship candidate, declared himself Interim National Chairman on Thursday.
Bala, who previously served as the party’s National Deputy Chairman, announced his new role during a press conference in Abuja.
He accused former party leaders of abandoning their constitutional duties and handing over ADC’s structures to “powerful outsiders.”
The position is currently held by former Senate President David Mark, who was appointed interim chairman after an opposition coalition adopted ADC as its platform.
Bala, however, insists his assumption of the role is legitimate under the party’s constitution.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the leadership change, warning that failure to adhere to ADC’s constitutional guidelines could lead to legal action.
Bala vowed to restore internal democracy, stating, “No party leader has the right to transfer elected mandates to non-members.”
The development signals deepening divisions within the opposition party.