ADC Leadership Crisis: Hon. Nafiu Bala Speaks on Internal Rift, Blames Coalition for Ongoing Tussle

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has once again found itself in the eye of a leadership storm, as internal disagreements threaten to undermine its unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party, which once positioned itself as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape, is now grappling with internal wrangling that could define its future direction.

At the centre of the storm is Hon. Nafiu Bala, who identifies himself as the acting national chairman of the ADC. Bala has openly criticised the ongoing crisis, insisting that the turmoil within the party was both avoidable and unnecessary. According to him, the conflict stems largely from a failure to adhere to proper internal processes and a disregard for the party’s established rules.

According to Valid9jablog News, In a recent discussion, Bala maintained that the troubles rocking the ADC were triggered by the actions of some members within the opposition coalition. He accused them of bypassing the party’s constitutional provisions and promoting parallel leadership structures without due consultation. “If due process had been followed, we would not be in this position today,” he asserted, expressing frustration at what he described as a deliberate attempt to hijack the party’s leadership.

Bala’s remarks come amid a deepening division between his camp and the faction led by David Mark, which has reportedly received recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He rejected the legitimacy of the David Mark-led group, arguing that INEC’s recognition does not necessarily reflect the true will of the ADC’s grassroots membership.

Observers note that the leadership tussle has further weakened the ADC’s cohesion and could affect its ability to present a unified front in the coming elections. Party stakeholders are now calling for reconciliation efforts and genuine dialogue to restore stability ahead of the 2027 polls.

Despite the ongoing crisis, Bala remains optimistic about the ADC’s prospects. He believes that once internal democracy is restored and unity rebuilt, the party can still play a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s political future. “The ADC has the structures and vision to make a difference,” he said. “All we need is discipline, fairness, and respect for due process.”

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the ADC’s internal conflict serves as yet another reminder of the challenges faced by Nigeria’s smaller political parties — where leadership ambitions and external influences often test the strength of internal democracy. Whether the ADC can overcome this crisis and reposition itself for relevance remains to be seen.