By Darlington Okpebholo Ray, Truth Live News International
A fresh twist has emerged as a leadership controversy within the African Democratic Congress, ADC, is raising its ugly head, with credible party sources dismissing recent moves to impose a new chairman as “externally driven and legally untenable.”
A top member of the party’s National Executive Committee, NEC, who spoke to a Truth Live News correspondent on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, described the unfolding situation as “a coordinated political disruption allegedly backed by forces within the ruling party who are visibly uncomfortable with the rising profile of the ADC.”
According to the source, “there is absolutely no legal or moral basis for the ongoing attempt to project Hon. Nafiu Bala as a substantive leader of the party. The records are clear, he resigned.”
The NEC member pointed to documentary evidence obtained by Truth Live News, including a resignation letter personally signed by Hon. Bala and dated 17 May 2025, in which he formally stepped down as Deputy National Chairman, with effect from 26 May 2025 . In the letter, Bala explicitly stated that his resignation was to facilitate restructuring and coalition building within the party.
Further reinforcing this position, the party formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in an official communication dated 21 July 2025, confirming that the resignation had been duly received and accepted by the National Working Committee in line with the ADC constitution and the Electoral Act .
“These are not rumours or political statements, these are signed documents. The resignation was voluntary, processed, and formally acknowledged. That chapter is closed,” the source stressed.
Going further, the party hierarchy source described the unfolding development as “a desperate and dangerous political script.”
“What we are witnessing is a paid hatchet job. Bala is being used by powerful interests within the ruling APC who are determined to weaken the ADC and ensure that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands unchallenged in the 2027 general elections,” the source asserted.
The source further revealed that intelligence available to party leadership indicates that a sponsored protest has been planned, with materials, including banners already printed, aimed at creating the impression of popular support for what insiders describe as an illegitimate agenda.
“They want to manufacture consent. But Nigerians must not be deceived. This is not a grassroots movement, it is a staged political operation,” the source warned.
Providing further clarity on the legal and constitutional position, the NEC insider stated unequivocally that Mr. Nafiu Bala Gombe is no longer a member of the ADC according to INEC records, and therefore lacks the standing to benefit from any judicial pronouncement regarding the party.
“As far as the law is concerned, he has exited the structure. He cannot, in any way, benefit from the Court of Appeal directive to maintain status quo,” the source said.
The insider further explained that the status quo referenced by the Court of Appeal is clear and verifiable.
“As at 2 September 2025, when Bala approached the court, the David Mark led National Working Committee was already in place. That leadership was duly inaugurated by the National Executive Committee on 29 July 2025, in the presence of INEC officials. That is the lawful status quo,” the source emphasised.
According to the NEC member, any attempt to compel the Chairman of INEC to recognise Bala as leader of the party is not only baseless but also legally dangerous.
“What they are trying to do is to disrupt a clearly established status quo. It is a direct affront to the rule of law and amounts to contempt of court. No institution should be bullied into illegality,” the source added.
The party chieftain warned that the broader implications of these actions point to a worrying democratic backslide.
“We cannot fold our hands and allow the APC to turn the democracy we all fought for into a monarchical system under a totalitarian and despotic ruler. Nigeria must not be reduced to a one man political empire,” the source declared.
Calling for global attention, the NEC member urged the international community and defenders of democratic values to closely monitor developments in Nigeria.
“We call on the international community and lovers of democracy worldwide to take interest in Nigeria’s electoral process. There must be sustained pressure on the ruling party to allow democracy to thrive and to refrain from undermining opposition structures,” the source stated.
The source also issued a strong warning to Nigerians as the country gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.
“This is a defining moment. Nigerians must remain vigilant. Democracy is not sustained by silence. Every attempt to manipulate institutions, weaken opposition, or distort the will of the people must be resisted lawfully. The future of Nigeria depends on it,” the source cautioned.
The party leadership, according to insiders, remains firmly under the David Mark led National Working Committee, which continues to function as the recognised authority within the ADC.
Political observers note that the increasing intensity of these internal disruptions may, paradoxically, be a reflection of the ADC’s growing strength as a national opposition force.
As events continue to unfold, the documentary evidence in circulation and the legal interpretations surrounding them are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the trajectory of the crisis.
For now, one thing remains clear, the battle for Nigeria’s democratic soul ahead of 2027 has begun, and the stakes could not be higher.
