The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing a fresh leadership crisis following the declaration by its Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, that he has assumed office as the party’s substantive National Chairman.

 

Bala made the announcement on Wednesday at a press conference in Abuja, citing provisions of the Electoral Act and the ADC constitution. According to him, the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, automatically makes him next in line to lead the party.

 

“Our party’s former National Chairman voluntarily resigned his position. The constitution is very clear on the transfer of power. As far as our party is concerned, the Electoral Act and our party constitution state that the Deputy National Chairman should take over. I now resume office as the authentic National Chairman of our great party, the African Democratic Congress,” Bala declared.

 

Bala also accused leaders of the opposition coalition, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, of attempting to hijack the ADC after it was adopted by the coalition earlier this year.

 

However, following Nwosu’s resignation, David Mark had been appointed as the party’s Interim National Chairman, a development Bala insists the ADC leadership never formally endorsed.

 

His declaration signals a looming internal power tussle that could further deepen the cracks within the opposition party.