Nafiu Bala, a factional national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has confirmed his attendance at the July 2025 unveiling of the party’s interim leadership but denied endorsing the appointment of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC).
Bala’s clarification comes after videos emerged over the weekend showing him seated alongside other party stakeholders, including former Labour Party chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
The footage sparked mixed reactions and questions regarding his stance on the party’s leadership.
Reacting to the circulating video, Bala confirmed he was present but insisted there was no prior agreement to appoint the Mark-led leadership during that meeting.
He explained that the gathering, held on July 2, 2025, was specifically convened to adopt the ADC as a unified platform for various coalition partners, not to unveil new party leaders.
“Contrary to expectations, the event took an unexpected turn when Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, the then National Chairman, was given the floor to deliver his welcoming address.”
“In a shocking move, he announced his resignation, proceeded to issue membership cards to Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, and declared them Acting National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively,” Bala stated.
Bala argued that Nwosu’s actions were in clear contravention of Articles 8(2) and 9(4) of the ADC Constitution (2022, as amended).
He maintained that the party’s constitution does not empower an outgoing chairman to appoint a successor, as the process for replacement is explicitly outlined and was disregarded in this instance.
“I was present at the meeting and can attest that the gathering was not intended for the unveiling of Mark and Aregbesola as party leaders,l.”
“My attendance at the meeting and my previous engagements with coalition partners from April 2024 to July 2025 do not imply an endorsement of these irregular appointments,” Bala said.
He further noted that there was no formal vote or consensus on the appointments, adding that several NWC members were caught off guard.
According to Bala, following Nwosu’s announcement, the then-National Secretary, Sa’id Baba Abdullahi, also resigned under unclear circumstances.
“None of the NWC members were privy to the situation, and neither Nwosu nor Abdullahi had discussed the matter with us prior to the meeting.”
“I trust this clarification addresses the concerns raised by the circulating videos. I appreciate the opportunity to provide accurate information and set the record straight,” the factional Chairman stated.