ADC Crisis: ‘We Could Not Match What They Were Offering Him’ — Abdullahi Alleges Nafiu Bala Took Better Deal Elsewhere
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has alleged that embattled party figure Nafiu Bala aligned with external political interests after allegedly receiving inducements, deepening the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.
Abdullahi made the allegation during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, on Monday. He accused opposition forces of deliberately luring Bala with offers the ADC could not match, insisting the party remains focused on national service rather than personal enrichment.
According to him, several attempts were made to reconcile with Bala and assign him roles within the party, but those efforts failed as he had already established contacts within government circles.
“We made efforts to pacify him. We approached him and tried to find something for him to do within the party, but at that point he had already approached people within government who were willing to use him, and we could not match what they were offering him,” Abdullahi said.
He further questioned Bala’s sudden display of wealth, noting the emergence of armoured vehicles, security details, and a more luxurious lifestyle, which he suggested pointed to external backing.
The ADC crisis escalated in early April 2026 when Bala publicly disowned a circulating resignation letter, describing it as forged. The development followed a Court of Appeal ruling that prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-list a rival National Working Committee led by David Mark.
Bala, who claims to be the rightful acting chairman as the party’s highest-ranking original officer, has been accused by party loyalists of acting as a destabilising force. Meanwhile, his supporters have staged protests at INEC headquarters demanding his recognition.
Abdullahi, however, dismissed claims of internal disarray within the party, insisting that the crisis was externally engineered. He accused INEC of actions that favour the ruling All Progressives Congress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“There was no confusion in ADC, except that which has been engineered by INEC,” he stated, adding that the situation was a calculated attempt to destabilise the party.
INEC Lacks Power to Remove Party Leadership.
Abdullahi challenged INEC’s authority over party leadership matters, describing its actions as unconstitutional and contrary to democratic principles. He stressed that political parties are voluntary associations whose internal affairs cannot be dictated by external institutions.
“The role of INEC is supervisory, not administrative,” he said, insisting the commission lacks the power to remove party leadership.
Court Ruling and ‘Status Quo’ Dispute
Clarifying the Court of Appeal ruling, Abdullahi argued that the directive to maintain status quo ante bellum had been misinterpreted. According to him, the ruling meant restoring the party’s condition before the crisis began, when the leadership under David Mark was already in place and recognised.
Bala’s Leadership Claim Dismissed
Abdullahi rejected Bala’s claim to the chairmanship, noting that he was only one of several deputy national chairmen and never held the top position.
He also questioned Bala’s forgery allegations, pointing out the absence of any formal complaint to law enforcement authorities, despite forgery being a criminal offence.
Critics Dismissed, Interference Alleged
Responding to criticisms from Leke Abejide and Dumebi Kachikwu, Abdullahi dismissed both as expelled members lacking credibility to comment on party affairs.
He further alleged a coordinated political effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such developments pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
ADC to Proceed with Convention
Despite the ongoing crisis, Abdullahi confirmed that the ADC would proceed with its planned national convention, stating that the party has complied fully with legal requirements, including notifying INEC within the stipulated timeframe.
Calls for Unity and Democratic Concerns
While callers to the programme urged unity, Abdullahi reaffirmed the party’s commitment to remaining a credible opposition force.
He concluded by describing the crisis as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy, expressing confidence in the judiciary while criticising the government’s handling of national challenges and alleged suppression of opposition parties.
According to him, the situation goes beyond the ADC and reflects broader concerns about democratic integrity in Nigeria.
