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.”