Nafiu Bala, former deputy national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says he was misled into attending the event where David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola emerged as the party’s chairman and national secretary.

Speaking in an interview on AIT, Bala alleged that Ralph Nwosu did not inform him of plans to appoint new leaders. He said he attended the gathering believing it was only to announce the adoption of the ADC by a political coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to Bala, he was surprised when Nwosu announced his resignation and immediately named Mark and Aregbesola as the party’s new leaders during the same event.

Bala said he subsequently convened meetings with the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) to address the situation before taking legal action.

He also denied reports that he resigned from his position, alleging that his signature was forged. Bala has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission, asking to be recognised as the national chairman of the party.

The ADC is currently facing internal leadership disputes, with both Bala and the faction led by Mark laying claim to control of the party.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled its timetable and schedule of activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, including the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for aspirants.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Sulaiman Argungu, the party fixed the presidential expression of interest form at ₦30 million and the nomination form at ₦70 million.

For governorship aspirants, the expression of interest form is priced at ₦10 million, while the nomination form costs ₦40 million.

Senate aspirants are to pay ₦3 million for the expression of interest form and ₦17 million for the nomination form. Those seeking seats in the House of Representatives will pay ₦1 million and ₦9 million respectively, while state house of assembly aspirants will pay ₦1 million for the expression of interest form and ₦5 million for the nomination form.

The party added that female aspirants, youths, and persons with disabilities will pay the full expression of interest fee but enjoy a 50 percent discount on the nomination form.

According to the timetable, the presidential primary election is scheduled for May 15 and 16. This will be followed by the House of Representatives primaries on May 18, Senate on May 20, state houses of assembly on May 21, and governorship primaries on May 23.

Top figures in Nigeria’s opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja, following the commission’s decision to withdraw recognition from the party.

The protest was led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and attracted a large number of party members and supporters, who accused INEC of acting with bias.

In a statement shared on X, Atiku said the demonstration was necessary to defend Nigeria’s democracy and resist what he described as attempts to impose authoritarian rule.

Other prominent political figures at the protest included former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, factional ADC National Chairman David Mark, Kwankwasiyya Movement leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, and factional National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola.

Also present were former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, ex-Senator Dino Melaye, and former Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo.

The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since July 2025, when an opposition coalition assumed control of the party. Rival factions led by Nafiu Bala and David Mark have since laid claim to its leadership, resulting in prolonged legal disputes.

INEC’s decision to derecognise both factions followed a March 12 ruling by the Court of Appeal.