Introduction to the Crisis
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has disowned and distanced itself from statements and actions of Honourable Nafiu Bala, describing him as an impostor who is neither a member of the party. Nafi’u Bala, a former governorship candidate of the party in Gombe State and ex-national deputy chairman, had declared himself the interim national chairman of the party.
The Accusations
At a press conference held in Abuja, Bala had accused the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, of illegally hijacking the party’s leadership and violating its constitution. He had vowed to challenge the move in court, describing it as a “shameful political takeover orchestrated by outsiders.” He insisted during his press conference that: “We wish to draw the attention of all members of our great party and Nigerians at large, to the ongoing acts of political hooliganism being perpetrated by some individuals who were hitherto entrusted with the leadership of the party,” Bala said.
Allegations of Political Hooliganism
He alleged that the party’s structures have been unlawfully surrendered to political figures with no ties to the ADC, warning that such actions undermine internal democracy. These allegations have sparked a significant controversy within the party, with many questioning the legitimacy of Bala’s claims.
The Party’s Response
But in a strongly worded letter, the Gombe State chapter of ADC clarified that Honourable Nafiu Bala was not a registered member of the party. The state chapter explained further that earlier inclusion of Bala into the party’s National Executive Committee was an error and a mistake. The party pointed out that: “He has since resigned the position, with his resignation formally received and forwarded to INEC since July 21, 2025. The ADC leadership has therefore urged the public and media to disregard any claims or activities made by him in the name of the party.”
Disowning Bala
The ADC said Honourable Nafiu Bala has no standing in the party: “He is merely a political merchant seeking undue attention.” It continued: “The Executive Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nasarawo Wars, Gombe Local Government Area, Gombe State, wishes to categorically state that Honourable Nafiu Bala is not a registered member of the ADC in our ward or in any capacity known to us. Following recent misleading claims by Honourable Nafiu Bala in the media, purporting to speak or act on behalf of the ADC at the national level, we have thoroughly reviewed our official ward membership register and can confirm with absolute certainty that his name does not appear in the records of registered members.
Call to Action
This attempt to falsely represent himself as a party member and leader amounts to political impersonation and is a gross violation of the values and constitutional framework of our great party. We therefore disown and distance the ward and the party from any statements, actions, or representations made by him, Nafiu Bala, in the name of the ADC. Call on the public and relevant authorities to disregard his claims and activities as they have no basis in fact or law. Urge the national leadership of our party to take appropriate disciplinary steps to protect the image and integrity of the ADC.
Conclusion
The African Democratic Party remains committed to internal democracy, accountability, and respect for due process. We will not allow opportunists or impostors to distort our mission. The letter dated August 6, 2025, was signed by Jafar Muhammad, Muazu Abdullahi, and Abubakar Garba as chairman, vice chairman, and secretary, respectively. Others who endorsed the letter are Organizing Secretary Ibrahim Shuaibu, Abdulrrahman Abubakar, Youth Leader, and Man Yanbiyu, Women Leader.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Honourable Nafiu Bala?
A: Honourable Nafiu Bala is a former governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Gombe State and ex-national deputy chairman. - Q: What are the allegations against Senator David Mark?
A: Bala accused Senator David Mark of illegally hijacking the party’s leadership and violating its constitution. - Q: Is Honourable Nafiu Bala a registered member of the ADC?
A: No, according to the Gombe State chapter of ADC, Honourable Nafiu Bala is not a registered member of the party. - Q: What action has the ADC taken regarding Bala’s claims?
A: The ADC has disowned and distanced itself from Bala’s statements and actions, urging the public and media to disregard any claims or activities made by him in the name of the party.
