By Erewunmi Peace

A fresh wave of political tension has hit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as Nafi’u Bala, former Deputy National Chairman and ex-Gubernatorial candidate in Gombe State, has declared himself Interim National Chairman, directly challenging the authority of former Senate President David Mark.

The announcement was made during a press briefing in Abuja on July 31, where Bala described the recent appointment of David Mark as leader of the party’s Interim Committee as “illegal, unconstitutional, and politically motivated.”

“The leadership of our party cannot be hijacked through external influence or disregard for constitutional procedure. I, Nafi’u Bala, now assume the role of Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress,” he stated.

The Power Struggle

This internal crisis stems from the dissolution of the ADC’s National Working Committee (NWC) earlier in July, led by party founder Ralph Okey Nwosu. In its place, a controversial Interim Committee was announced — headed by David Mark, and including key figures from various opposition parties such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir el-Rufai.

Bala and other dissenting party leaders, including 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, have accused Nwosu of colluding with external interests to convert ADC into a coalition tool ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bala’s Key Accusations

The Interim Committee lacks constitutional legitimacy

The takeover is part of a political plot by non-ADC actors

INEC has not officially recognized the new leadership

There was no congress or valid resolution dissolving the NWC

“We will resist this hijack through every constitutional and legal channel. Our members and structures across the 36 states remain intact and loyal to the legitimate leadership,” Bala asserted.

What’s Next?

Bala announced plans to formally notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the “illegal leadership” and is prepared to challenge the move in court. The development has split ADC supporters nationwide, with rival factions issuing conflicting statements.

There is growing speculation that this internal turmoil could weaken ADC’s credibility and structure ahead of its role in the opposition coalition for the 2027 elections.