The leadership tussle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a fresh dimension as the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, on Wednesday declared himself the authentic National Chairman of the party.
Speaking at a press briefing to mark his resumption, Bala said his takeover was in line with both the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution, which empower the Deputy National Chairman to assume office following the resignation of the substantive chairman.
Former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, had stepped down from his position shortly after the opposition coalition adopted the ADC earlier this year. In the aftermath, David Mark was appointed as Interim National Chairman of the party.
But Bala has rejected Mark’s appointment, accusing key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, of hijacking the party’s leadership structure.
“As far as our party is concerned, the constitution and the Electoral Act are very clear. When the National Chairman resigns, the Deputy National Chairman is the natural successor. I have therefore resumed office as the authentic National Chairman of our great party, the African Democratic Congress,” Bala stated.
The development has further deepened the leadership crisis in the ADC, raising uncertainty over its stability ahead of upcoming political activities.
