The African Democratic Party (ADC) continues to be plagued by a persistent leadership crisis, with various factions vying for control. Amidst these internal struggles, the North-East zonal leadership of the party has explicitly declared its support for Hon. Nafiu Bala as the acting national chairman, a decision reached during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting held in Bauchi, attended by representatives from all six states in the zone.

During the meeting, Hon. Shehu Usman, the Zonal Publicity Secretary, issued an official statement from the North-East Zonal Caucus of the party. The caucus announced its unanimous endorsement of the voluntary resignation of Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu as National Chairman and expressed full support for the seamless transition of leadership to Hon. Nafiu Bala, who was the Deputy National Chairman, now serving in an acting capacity. They reaffirmed their unwavering support and allegiance to Hon. Bala’s leadership, emphasizing its importance for continuity and stability within the party.

The caucus vehemently condemned a purported announcement by one Auwal Barde, who claimed to be the state chairman of ADC, Gombe State, concerning the expulsion of Hon. Nafiu Bala. The North-East leadership declared Barde’s announcement as invalid, wrong, unlawful, and illegal, asserting that Barde holds no legitimate party leadership position in Gombe State and therefore lacks the authority to announce any expulsion. They urged the general public to disregard such acts of indiscipline and illegality.

Furthermore, the caucus highlighted that Hon. Nafiu Bala has never been accused of any indiscipline, whether in breach of the party's constitution, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or the Electoral Act. They stressed that no disciplinary procedure was ever adopted against him; no notice of any purported charge of indiscipline was served, posted, or pasted at his residence, meaning he was never afforded an opportunity to be heard. This was further substantiated by reports that as recently as August 25, 2025, Hon. Bala was warmly welcomed by stakeholders and party supporters during a visit to his ward in Gombe, Nassarawo, with no mention of any expulsion.

Separately, Hon. Nafiu Bala himself has reiterated his claim to the seat of National Chairman. He clarified his position during a press conference in Abuja, stating his ignorance of any handover of the party national secretariat to Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. This alleged handover was reportedly conducted by the former Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee in July. Bala asserted that, in line with the ADC Constitution, he is empowered to assume the national chairman's role in the absence or resignation of the incumbent, emphasizing, “Our former national chairman voluntarily resigns his leadership. Our party constitution is very clear on the transfer of power.”

The North-East caucus also extended a crucial message to prospective allies and coalition partners, urging them to adhere strictly to due process in membership. This includes registering as bona fide ADC members at their respective ward levels, demonstrating commitment to the party’s principles and values. They stressed the importance of respecting established party structures at all levels and ensuring compliance with both the Electoral Act and the ADC Constitution. The caucus affirmed that the ADC remains a progressive platform dedicated to democratic renewal and national transformation, welcoming constructive partnerships based on transparency, legality, and a shared vision. They strongly condemned individuals attempting to create confusion and disharmony among loyal party members, calling for vigilance and unwavering commitment to the party’s principles and values. The caucus concluded by urging all members, supporters, and allies to unite under these guiding principles to work towards a stronger, more prosperous, and equitable Nigeria.