The Northeast Caucus of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has endorsed the voluntary resignation of Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu as national chairman and supported the seamless transition of leadership to Hon. Nafiu Bala, deputy national chairman, who now serves in an acting capacity.
At its zonal meeting in Bauchi yesterday, the caucus reaffirmed its loyalty to Bala’s leadership, stressing that the move ensures continuity, stability and adherence to the party’s constitution.
Addressing a press conference, the zonal publicity secretary of the caucus, Zayd Adamu, dismissed recent claims of Bala’s expulsion by one Auwal Barde, who allegedly paraded himself as the ADC chairman in Gombe State.
“We want to state in strong terms that the purported announcement by one Auwal Barde is invalid, unlawful, and illegal. Barde is not a recognised leader of the ADC in Gombe and therefore lacks the authority to announce the expulsion of Hon. Nafiu Bala,” Usman said.
He further clarified that Bala has never been accused of indiscipline or of breaching the party constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, or the Electoral Act. “No disciplinary procedure was ever initiated against him. He was neither served notice nor heard on any alleged charge,” he added.
Adamu pointed out that on August 25, 2025, Bala visited his ward in Gombe Nassarawo, where stakeholders and party supporters warmly received him without mentioning an expulsion.
The caucus also issued guidelines for the proposed ADC coalition’s leaders, urging them to register as bona fide members at their respective ward levels, respect existing party structures across all levels, and comply with the Electoral Act and ADC constitution to ensure legality and order.
While reiterating its commitment to democratic values, the caucus said the ADC remains a progressive platform for national transformation.
“We welcome constructive partnerships based on transparency, legality, and shared vision. But we strongly condemn attempts by certain individuals to sow confusion and disharmony among loyal members,” Adamu stated.
The caucus urged all members, supporters, and prospective allies to remain united under the party’s guiding principles in the collective effort to build “a stronger, more prosperous, and equitable Nigeria.”
While contacting Nafiu Bala on the issue, he dismissed reports alleging his expulsion from the party, describing them as “baseless, unfounded, and a calculated attempt to malign my image and destabilise our great party.”
Bala said he was in Gombe yesterday (on Sunday), where he engaged with party executives and stakeholders across his ward and constituency. He explained that he was warmly received by grassroots leaders who reaffirmed their commitment to the ADC and its constitution.
According to him, the executives of his Nassarawo Ward categorically distanced themselves from the reports, stressing that they were neither involved in such publications nor aware of their source.
Bala called on members, supporters, and the public to disregard the falsehoods and remain focused on building a strong, people-centered political platform for Nigeria’s progress.
Bala, who served as deputy national chairman of the party for more than three years, explained that his emergence as national chairman followed due process: “Our former national chairman voluntarily resigned his position. In line with the ADC constitution, whenever the office of the national chairman becomes vacant, the deputy national chairman is mandated to assume leadership in an acting capacity until a substantive replacement is concluded,” he clarified.
He emphasised that the party’s constitution leaves no room for leadership disputes, “There is no vacuum, no ambiguity, and no crisis in our leadership structure. The African Democratic Congress remains united, focused, and committed to strengthening democracy and delivering on the aspirations of the Nigerian people,” Bala declared.
He also disclosed that the party has convened a consultative meeting in Bauchi, where notice has been issued to mobilise members across the zonal structures. He said the meeting resolved to strengthen vigilance and protect the ADC against “the antics of detractors who are bent on causing division through false publications and malicious propaganda.”
“As national chairman, I reaffirm that our party stands united. We will continue to defend our constitution, protect our structures, and mobilise our members at all levels in preparation for the great responsibilities ahead,” Bala added.
