Nafiu Bala, the Gombe State Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during the 2023 general elections, has alleged that a leadership crisis within the party has been engineered by individuals he refers to as “political hooligans.”

In a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, Bala declared himself the Interim National Chairman of the party. He stated, “As the duly elected National Deputy Chairman of our great party, I now assume my constitutional duty and responsibility as the Interim National Chairman.”

Bala criticised former party leaders for neglecting their constitutional responsibilities and handing over the party’s structures to “powerful outsiders” who have no affiliation with the ADC. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise this leadership change and uphold the sanctity of the ADC constitution.

He emphasised, “I, Honourable Nafiu Bala, a bona fide member and duly elected National Deputy Chairman of our great party, the African Democratic Congress, wish to draw the attention of all party members and Nigerians to the ongoing acts of political hooliganism being perpetrated by certain individuals who were previously entrusted with the party’s leadership.”

Bala expressed his frustrations over the “shameful and lawless” actions of these leaders, who, he claims, have plunged the party into unnecessary crisis and uncertainty. He condemned the idea of relinquishing the party’s future to powerful outsiders with no ties to the party, calling it unacceptable.

He noted, “Recently, the nation witnessed a poorly rehearsed political melodrama, in which elected roles were exchanged with certain unfamiliar groups to enable a complete takeover of the party’s structures and political assets. This alarming capitulation is unprecedented in our democratic journey toward constitutional order.”

Bala emphasised that he and his supporters are resolutely committed to challenging what they see as a violation of the party’s rules and ensuring that the constitutional guidelines are respected. He warned that if the individuals involved do not heed their calls for compliance, they would take legal action to address these grievances.

He stated, “It pains us to bring these scandalous events to your attention, but we have been left with no choice in defending our constitutional rights, given the current situation in the party. In the history of democracy worldwide, no party leader or any group of leaders has the authority to arbitrarily transfer an elected mandate or political power to non-members who did not contest for political office.”

Bala reaffirmed his commitment to restoring constitutional order and internal democracy within the ADC. He stressed that the party’s constitution has clear guidelines for succession and filling vacant positions. “The constitution of our great party provides sufficient provisions outlining the succession guidelines and the process for filling vacancies.”

He concluded, “In light of the circumstances and in furtherance of my constitutional mandate as the duly elected National Deputy Chairman, I now assume my role as the Interim National Chairman of our great party. Therefore, I am calling on the esteemed Independent National Electoral Commission to urgently recognise this development.”

Minister of National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, asserted that the North has no regrets about supporting President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that the region is well-represented and actively engaged in national governance.

Speaking at a technical session during the Government-Citizen Engagement forum organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at Arewa House in Kaduna, Bagudu dismissed claims of marginalization. He described Tinubu’s administration as inclusive, competent, and focused on national unity.

“Those of us privileged to serve in President Tinubu’s administration are vigilant in defending Northern interests. There is no exclusion and absolutely no reason for regret,” he stated.

Bagudu praised Tinubu as a true nationalist, noting that appointments and policies under his leadership are based on merit and national interest rather than ethnicity or regional ties. He urged Northern leaders and citizens to reject divisive narratives, emphasizing that the North is fully engaged at all levels of governance.

Addressing the nation’s economic challenges, Bagudu explained that the Tinubu administration inherited a crisis characterized by unsustainable fuel subsidies and dependency on imports. He mentioned that bold reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange liberalization, and revenue restructuring, are stabilizing the economy.

“For example, Adamawa State’s federal allocation increased from N9.76 billion in May 2023 to N22.73 billion by June 2025. That’s a clear result of these reforms,” he noted.

He also highlighted significant structural changes, such as returning the Budget Office to the Ministry of National Planning and creating new ministries, such as Livestock Development, Arts and Culture, and the Blue Economy, all aimed at promoting inclusive growth and economic diversification.

Bagudu stated that the government is now transitioning from economic stabilization to inclusive growth, with a strong focus on poverty reduction and long-term development. He encouraged Northern stakeholders to strategically engage with democratic institutions to influence budget priorities and secure regional development goals.

In addition, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, spoke at the event about the food security crisis inherited by the Tinubu administration. He highlighted targeted, data-driven solutions to address the issue.

Abdullahi revealed that through the Agro-Pocket initiative, over 133,000 hectares of wheat were cultivated across 15 Northern states, exceeding the original target of 130,000 hectares. He also announced the rollout of a farmer data audit and registry to eliminate fictitious beneficiaries and ensure that genuine farmers receive support.

He added that Tinubu’s agricultural reforms include mechanization, value chain development, irrigation and dam projects, and institutional restructuring, all aimed at achieving food security and improving rural livelihoods.

Senator David Mark, the Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says the party under his watch will not tolerate candidates’ imposition, anti-party activities, and other forms of indiscipline.

Mark made this known in his remarks at a National Executive Committee (NEC) party meeting in Abuja.

The interim chairman also pledged to serve the party with integrity, transparency, courage, and vision.

He acknowledged the patriotism, sacrifices, and dedication of the outgoing National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and his team, who he lauded for building the ADC over the years and for relinquishing party leadership in the interest of the country.

He also commended all party leaders and loyal members who contributed to the party’s growth, assuring them that his leadership would be fair and just.

“I assure you that under my leadership, we shall be committed to full democratic practices and principles that abhor imposition and special privileges. Internal democracy, transparency, and accountability will be our mantra.

“We will guarantee collective leadership at all levels. We will build a technically competent bureaucracy for the party and ensure structured financing. All members will truly own the party.

“We shall revamp our grassroots leadership structures to reflect modern realities. From the polling units and wards up to the national level, every organ will be re-energised,” he said.

Mark also promised inclusion for the youth and women.

”Our policies, nominations, and leadership roles will reflect meaningful inclusion of youths and women and not just tokenism.

“This is why we have reserved 35 per cent of our leadership positions for women. It is also our commitment to have youths below the age of 40 years in our leadership,” he said.

He disclosed that the new National Working Committee (NWC) would, within the shortest possible time, raise committees to review the party’s manifesto and constitution to meet and reflect the aspirations of the Nigerian people.

“We shall clearly articulate what we stand for. Nigerians must know us as a party driven by unblemished ideology, progressive policies, and patriotic governance.

“We will not leave it to the discretion of individual candidates to choose what to do with power,” he affirmed.

Mark announced that in the coming days, the ADC would unveil a 50-member policy committee dedicated to key sectors.

These, according to him, were health, education, agriculture, technology, security, economy, and infrastructure, underscoring the party’s focus on achieving good governance for Nigerians.

He urged all Nigerians to join the ADC, promoting it as the only party that guarantees equal opportunity regardless of age, gender, religion, or region.

He also encouraged all ADC members to return to their polling units and begin working at the grassroots, rather than remaining in Abuja.

Earlier in his remarks, Chief Nwosu highlighted the ADC’s significant growth, stating it had transformed from a “small largest party in Nigeria” to a major political force under Mark’s leadership.

Nwosu noted the increasing number of people seeking registration in the ADC nationwide, revealing that the party’s website had crashed three times due to the influx of young people attempting to register online.

He described the adoption of ADC by the national coalition and the unveiling of Mark’s leadership on July 2 as the beginning of a new dawn.

“Within one week, our membership grew from maybe 600 people who were paying membership dues to almost three million who started paying membership dues.

“Some states have told us that we must print a minimum of two million membership cards for them,” he said.

Nwosu urged the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other democratic institutions in Nigeria to be alive to their responsibilities in delivering their mandates.

An ADC chieftain, Godson Okoye, advised party members to remain hopeful, describing the ADC as a party poised to lead Nigeria towards economic prosperity.

“This journey has just begun; let us encourage ourselves,” Okoye said.