Nafiu Bala leads supporters to INEC, demands recognition of his ADC faction

Nafiu Bala, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), on Thursday led a group of his supporters to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, intensifying the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.

Bala, who is laying claim to the party’s national chairmanship, is currently locked in a legal battle with the faction led by former Senate President David Mark. His protest comes barely 24 hours after the Mark-led group staged a similar demonstration at the commission’s office.

Addressing supporters during the march, Bala urged INEC to recognise him as the authentic national chairman of the ADC, citing a Court of Appeal ruling. He accused the rival faction of attempting to unlawfully take over the party’s leadership structure.

“The incident involving the unauthorised transfer of power to David Mark and his associates raises significant concerns regarding the integrity of governance and the rule of law,” Bala said.

He further alleged that the Mark faction engaged in fraudulent practices to legitimise its position.

“The intruders, by rudely forging the signatures of genuine members and leaders of the ADC, not only undermined the democratic process but also violated the trust vested in these representatives by their constituents,” he said.

“Such actions reflect a troubling trend in which illegitimate means are employed to achieve political ends, thereby eroding public confidence in political institutions.”

Bala added that the implications of the alleged actions go beyond the party, warning that they could “foster a culture of impunity and disillusionment among the electorate.”

The factional leader called on relevant authorities to investigate the claims and ensure accountability, noting that the crisis within the party began after the resignation of Ralph Nwosu as national chairman.

He also urged INEC to update its official records to reflect his position, insisting that such a move would align with the court’s ruling and help stabilise the party.

The leadership tussle in the ADC has deepened in recent weeks, with both factions trading accusations and seeking legitimacy through legal and political means, even as INEC maintains its stance of non-recognition pending a final court decision.