The African Democratic Party (ADC) is currently embroiled in a significant leadership crisis, with the North-East zonal leadership of the party unequivocally declaring its support for Hon. Nafiu Bala as the acting national chairman. This declaration emerged from a recent stakeholders' consultative meeting held in Bauchi, attended by representatives from all six states within the North-East zone.

During the meeting, Hon. Shehu Usman, the Zonal Publicity Secretary, issued an official statement from the North-East Zonal Caucus. The caucus unanimously endorsed the voluntary resignation of Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu as National Chairman and affirmed their support for the seamless leadership transition to Hon. Nafiu Bala, who serves as Deputy National Chairman, in an acting capacity. They further reaffirmed their allegiance to Bala's leadership, emphasizing the need for continuity and stability within the party.

The caucus vehemently refuted a purported announcement by one Auwal Barde, who claimed to be the Gombe State chairman of the ADC, regarding the expulsion of Hon. Nafiu Bala. The North-East leadership declared Barde's announcement as invalid, unlawful, and illegal, asserting that he lacks the capacity to make such pronouncements as he is not a legitimate party leader in Gombe State. They urged the public to disregard these acts of indiscipline and illegality.

Furthermore, the caucus clarified that Hon. Nafiu Bala has never been accused of any indiscipline, whether in breach of the party's constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, or the Electoral Act. They stressed that no disciplinary procedure was ever adopted against Bala; no notice was served, posted, or pasted, ensuring he was not afforded an opportunity to be heard. This was underscored by Bala's warm reception by stakeholders and supporters in his Nassarawo Ward in Gombe on August 25, 2025, where no issue of expulsion was raised.

In the context of internal stability and external partnerships, the North-East caucus respectfully urged leaders of any proposed coalition to adhere to specific guidelines. These include registering as bona fide ADC members at their respective ward levels, demonstrating commitment to the party’s principles, respecting established party structures at all levels, and ensuring full compliance with the Electoral Act and the ADC Constitution. The caucus affirmed the ADC's identity as a progressive platform dedicated to democratic renewal and national transformation, welcoming constructive partnerships founded on transparency, legality, and a shared vision, while condemning individuals seeking to sow confusion and disharmony.

The leadership crisis continued to fester as Nafiu Bala reiterated his claim to the National Chairman seat. He cited provisions of the party constitution which, according to him, empower him to assume the exalted position in the absence or resignation of the National Chairman. Bala claimed ignorance of a previous elaborate event in July where the former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee, reportedly handed over the party national secretariat to Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as national Chairman and National Secretary, respectively. Bala asserted that his assumption of leadership is in strict accordance with the ADC Constitution.

Amidst these internal disputes, the North-East caucus called upon all members, supporters, and prospective allies to unite under the party’s guiding principles, working collaboratively towards building a stronger, more prosperous, and equitable Nigeria.