The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vehemently denied the validity of a resignation letter purportedly written by its factional chairman, Nafiu Bala. The party, speaking through Dr. Christopher Okechukwu, Director of Media and Public Affairs in the Office of the National Chairman, denounced the document as a complete fabrication, a malicious attempt to sow discord and destabilize the party. Dated May 18, 2025, the letter lacks the necessary official markings, such as the ADC insignia, further solidifying its fraudulent nature. The ADC maintains that Nafiu Bala remains the legitimate acting National Chairman, firmly at the helm of the party, and operating in strict accordance with the ADC constitution.
The ADC’s official statement strongly condemns the fraudulent resignation letter and points fingers at former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, and a group of power-hungry collaborators, both within and outside the party, as the masterminds behind this deceptive maneuver. Their objective, according to the ADC, is to usurp the party’s leadership through unconstitutional means, undermining the legitimate transition processes outlined in the party’s constitution. The ADC asserts that Bala has neither resigned from his position as Deputy National Chairman nor relinquished his leadership role, which he assumed following proper constitutional procedures.
The party emphasizes the specific constitutional requirements for leadership positions within the ADC. These stipulations include a minimum one-year membership, maintenance of current financial obligations and membership status, and adherence to due process during leadership transitions. The ADC accuses Nwosu and his allies of attempting to circumvent these established rules by submitting unauthorized documentation, including the falsified resignation letter, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This action, according to the ADC, is a blatant attempt to install unelected individuals who do not meet the basic criteria for party leadership.
The ADC has directly called upon INEC to reject any unauthorized documentation submitted by Nwosu’s faction and to recognize only the leadership under Nafiu Bala. This appeal to INEC underscores the party’s commitment to upholding its constitutional processes and preventing the illegitimate seizure of power. The party also issued a broader call for vigilance among its members nationwide, urging them to be wary of misinformation campaigns. Simultaneously, they appealed to the general public to disregard the false narrative surrounding the party’s leadership.
Furthermore, the ADC has urged law enforcement agencies to investigate this attempted subversion of democratic processes, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the potential repercussions for the party and its members. This call for investigation signifies the ADC’s determination to expose and hold accountable those responsible for the fraudulent activities. The party, under Bala’s leadership, remains resolute in its commitment to Nigeria’s democratic development, underscoring its dedication to the principles of transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law.
In a final appeal, the ADC urged all stakeholders, including members, supporters, and the wider public, to reject the desperate attempts by power-hungry individuals to destabilize the party. Instead, they called for a united front to strengthen the party and build a more robust democratic future for Nigeria. This appeal underscores the party’s belief in the power of collective action and the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions against manipulation and illegitimate power grabs. The ADC remains committed to its core values and dedicated to fostering a political environment that respects and upholds the principles of democracy.
