Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Abuja, Nigeria — Nafiu Bala, the factional national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has publicly rejected claims that he resigned from his position amid a fraught leadership crisis that has engulfed the opposition party. Bala said the letter circulating online purporting to show his resignation was not authored or signed by him and that his signature on the document was forged, deepening an already complex political dispute.
The controversy erupted following a recent resolution by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the ADC’s leadership turmoil. The commission, acting on conflicting legal submissions from rival factions within the party, announced it would not recognise any leadership faction of the ADC until the matter is conclusively resolved in court. In practical terms, INEC removed the names of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively, and suspended official engagement with rival groups while legal proceedings continue.
The disputed resignation letter at the centre of Bala’s denial was earlier shared widely on social media and claimed he had stepped down from his role as deputy national chairman. According to observers, the letter was purportedly dated May 18, 2025, and presented Bala’s resignation as part of a planned restructuring intended to foster “smooth and effective coalition and restructuring” within the party. A separate letter was also said to have been sent to INEC to update the leadership records of the party based on that alleged resignation.
In his rebuttal, Bala dismissed both letters as fraudulent, saying neither emanated from him and that his signature on the documents was forged. He challenged the authenticity of the material, describing it as a deliberate attempt by political rivals to manipulate the party’s internal processes and influence the outcome of the regulatory review by INEC. The party’s legal and constitutional processes, he insisted, remain intact despite attempts to misrepresent its leadership structure.
The unfolding dispute reflects a long‑running internal struggle within the ADC that has drawn attention from political analysts, civil society groups, and legal experts. The crisis involves competing claims to party leadership, complicated by multiple legal suits and court judgments. At the heart of the disagreement is the question of which faction holds legitimate authority to represent the ADC ahead of critical political engagements, including preparations for the 2027 general elections.
For months, rival factions have submitted conflicting documentation and court applications to INEC and the Federal High Court in Abuja. One faction led by David Mark insists its leadership was lawfully instituted and has repeatedly accused opposing groups of attempting to usurp party structures. In response to INEC’s recent actions, some members aligned with Mark have gone so far as to demand the resignation of INEC’s Chairman and national commissioners, alleging the electoral body is compromising its neutrality by intervening in what they describe as internal party disagreements.
Meanwhile, Bala’s faction has appealed to INEC to respect existing court orders and party constitutional provisions that they argue support his leadership claim. In a recent appeal to the commission, Bala’s legal team emphasised a Court of Appeal order directing restraint in altering the status quo of leadership postings while judicial review is ongoing, urging INEC to avoid actions that could preempt judicial outcomes.
The crisis has also drawn commentary from other political actors and civic organisations. Some commentators defend the electoral body’s decision to suspend recognition of rival factions, arguing it is a necessary step pending resolution by the judiciary. Others, including youth groups, have urged both sides to pursue lawful and peaceful methods of resolving differences rather than escalating public confrontations with regulatory institutions.
The leadership dispute has significantly strained the ADC’s political coherence. Once considered a growing force in Nigeria’s multi‑party landscape, the party’s internal divisions have weakened its organisational stability and focus. ANC members aligned with former presidential candidates and other high‑profile politicians have been drawn into the fray, further complicating efforts to present a united front.
Political analysts say that unresolved leadership conflicts of this nature can harm a party’s electoral prospects and dilute public confidence in its governance structures. They caution that the ADC’s ability to play a meaningful role in Nigeria’s political future, especially in a highly competitive pre‑election environment, will depend on transparent, constitutional, and judicially supported resolutions to the disputes.
As matters stand, INEC has maintained that it will continue to act with neutrality, refraining from recognising or engaging with any faction of the ADC until the courts fully determine the leadership dispute. Both factions continue to pursue legal remedies, signalling prolonged contention as Nigeria approaches another pivotal electoral cycle.
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