The leadership tussle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took a new turn on Wednesday after Nafiu Bala assumed office as the party’s National Chairman.
Bala, who addressed journalists at the party headquarters, declared himself the authentic leader of the ADC, citing the provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
Bala explained that his emergence followed the resignation of Ralph Nwosu as National Chairman, insisting that the ADC constitution made him the rightful successor.
He said, “Our party’s former National Chairman voluntarily resigned his position.
“As far as our party is concerned, the Electoral Act and our party constitution say the Deputy National Chairman can take over the leadership of the party. I now resume office as the authentic National Chairman of our great party, the African Democratic Congress, ADC.”
Following Nwosu’s resignation, former Senate President, David Mark, was announced as Interim National Chairman.
But Bala faulted the arrangement, accusing opposition coalition leaders, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, of attempting to hijack the party.
“As our party’s national leadership, we are not aware of any change of leadership,” he said, insisting that the constitution leaves no room for external influence in succession matters.
The development signals a fresh round of crisis within the ADC, with Bala rejecting the coalition-backed leadership and moving to consolidate his claim as the party’s legitimate head.
