The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating internal chaos within its ranks following a controversial leadership claim by former ADC Deputy National Chairman, Natu Bala.
Bala, who contested the 2023 Bauchi State governorship election under the ADC platform, had resigned from his position in May 2025, citing a need to support party restructuring. However, in a surprising turn, Bala later reversed his resignation and declared himself the interim National Chairman, accusing party insiders of handing the ADC’s structure to “external forces.”
In a statement sent to THISDAY, Bala insisted that the ADC constitution allows him to assume leadership based on procedural guidelines and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise him as the party’s legitimate leader.
Reacting to the unfolding drama, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, dismissed Bala’s claim as a “desperate plot” backed by the APC. He confirmed that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), in a session monitored by INEC, had formally dissolved the former National Working Committee and approved the handover of leadership to the David Mark-led coalition.
“We saw this coming. It’s part of a broader scheme by the APC to destabilise our party ahead of upcoming political cycles,” Abdullahi stated. “INEC was present and monitored all decisions taken by our NEC, which followed due process and legal protocol.”
He further accused the ruling party of acting out of “panic and desperation,” and reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to transparency and unity under its newly ratified leadership.
The power tussle reflects growing political tensions ahead of key elections, as opposition parties brace for renewed challenges in defending their internal structures and leadership legitimacy.
