ADC Leadership Crisis: Nafiu Bala Reclaims Chairmanship, Denies Resignation

ABUJA – The protracted leadership struggle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took a dramatic turn yesterday as Hon. Nafiu Bala officially resumed office as the party’s Acting National Chairman. In a swift move to consolidate his position, Bala debunked a viral letter suggesting he had resigned, labeling the document a “forged” product of political detractors.

​The crisis, which has simmered since the exit of former long-term chairman Ralph Nwosu in July 2025, reached a boiling point after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly moved to recognize a rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark and former Minister Rauf Aregbesola.

​”My Signature Was Forged”

​Addressing the press in a video statement, Bala clarified that he never stepped down from his role as Deputy National Chairman, a position he used to ascend to the acting chairmanship following constitutional guidelines.

​”I wish to state that this paper did not come from me, and that is not my signature on it,” Bala declared. “The signature you see there was forged. Any genuine resignation from my office would be on an official letterhead.”

​The disputed letter, dated May 17, 2025, had been the cornerstone of the David Mark-led faction’s claim to the party’s hierarchy. Mark’s team had informed INEC of the alleged resignation in August 2025, a claim Bala has fought in court for over six months.

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​Legal Victory and INEC Intervention

​Bala’s return to the helm follows a significant legal win at the Court of Appeal on March 12, 2026. The appellate court dismissed David Mark’s challenge to a lower court’s jurisdiction, effectively clearing the path for Bala to be recognized as the legitimate acting leader.

​The dispute has placed INEC in a delicate position. Recent reports indicate that the commission has begun complying with the court’s freeze on leadership changes, removing Mark and Aregbesola from their recognized roles as Chairman and Secretary, respectively.

​A Party Divided

​The ADC leadership tussle comes at a critical time for the party, which recently saw high-profile entries like former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. While the Bala-led faction maintains it is following the party’s 2025 restructuring guidelines, critics and rival members have accused the current standoff of being fueled by external political interests aiming to destabilize the opposition ahead of future polls.

​For now, Bala insists he is the only constitutionally recognized head of the ADC. He has urged party members to remain calm while the Federal High Court concludes the substantive suit regarding the leadership transition.