Connect with us

Blast Politics

Bala: I Was Tricked Into ADC Event That Produced Mark, Aregbesola as Leaders

Published

on

Nafiu Bala
Share

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.

Blast Politics

APC Releases 2027 Election Timetable, Fixes Presidential Forms at ₦100m

Published

on

APC Flag
Share

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.

Continue Reading

Blast Politics

ADC Leaders Protest Derecognition at INEC Headquarters

Published

on

ADC Leaders
Share

 

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.

Continue Reading

Blast Politics

ADC Appoints Envoys in 12 Global Cities, Raises Alarm Over Democratic Practices in Nigeria

Published

on

ADC logo
ADC symbol
Share

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed special envoys in 12 major foreign cities as part of a new strategy to draw international attention to what it describes as a growing pattern of undemocratic practices and targeted attacks on opposition members in Nigeria.

The development follows the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-recognise both the David Mark-led leadership of the party and the Nafiu Bala faction. In a statement signed by its Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, INEC said it would refrain from engaging either faction pending the resolution of a case before the Federal High Court. The commission cited a March 12 Court of Appeal judgment and added that it would not participate in any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by the rival groups.

The decision has triggered strong reactions within the party, with the Mark-led faction calling for the immediate removal of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. The group accused the commission of bias, arguing that its interpretation of the court ruling undermines public confidence in the electoral body.

In response, the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, announced the creation of a “Special Representatives Network (SRN)” to strengthen international engagement and promote democratic accountability. Abdullahi alleged that since July 2025, there have been sustained efforts to destabilise opposition parties, weaken legitimate leadership structures, and limit political participation.

He explained that the newly appointed envoys would serve as official representatives of the party in key global capitals, acting as liaison points with foreign governments, parliamentary institutions, international media, and diaspora communities. The envoys are expected to provide regular briefings on Nigeria’s political climate, including issues related to governance, human rights, electoral integrity, and alleged repression of opposition figures.

The designated cities for the initiative include Washington DC, London, Brussels, Berlin, Ottawa, Paris, Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Accra, Geneva, and New York.

Abdullahi noted that the move is aimed at reinforcing the ADC’s image as a responsible democratic actor while positioning the party as a credible alternative for governance. He also disclosed that the party would launch a national documentation initiative to monitor and record incidents affecting political participation across the country.

According to him, state party structures will be tasked with gathering data on cases such as threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests, and disruptions of political activities, with the aim of building a comprehensive record for both domestic and international engagement.

Continue Reading