ADC YOUTHS GIVE NAFIU BALA 48-HOUR ULTIMATUM AMID LEADERSHIP CRISIS

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By: Fasasi Hammad

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Youth Network in Gombe State has given Nafiu Bala a 48-hour ultimatum to retract his recent statements and formally acknowledge his alleged resignation, as tensions deepen within the party’s leadership ranks.

The crisis, which has split the party into factions, reportedly led the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Bala’s camp over the group aligned with David Mark. The dispute is linked to an earlier leadership transition involving former national chairman Ralph Nwosu, Bala, and Mark.

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In a statement on Monday, the group’s convener, Abubakar Galafi, condemned what he described as an internal subversion of democracy, accusing Bala of weakening the party’s unity and credibility. He said the situation had gone beyond a mere disagreement, alleging that Bala’s actions amounted to a calculated attack on the party’s democratic principles.

Galafi further claimed Bala ignored due process and legal rulings, choosing instead to create confusion and cling to power. He also raised concerns about alleged external interference, suggesting that forces connected to the ruling party were attempting to destabilise the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group pointed to what it described as unusual security presence and perceived government backing around Bala as signs of a broader agenda to undermine the opposition.

Reaffirming their stance, the youth wing rejected any moves they believe threaten the party’s independence and warned Bala to comply within 48 hours or lose their support entirely. They also distanced the people of Gombe State from his actions, describing him as unrepresentative.

Galafi urged party members and supporters to remain alert, insisting the group would not stay silent in the face of what it called internal sabotage.

Meanwhile, ADC chieftain Mustafa Hadi Aminu also disowned Bala, insisting he is no longer a member of the party. He described Bala’s claims to leadership as unfounded and driven by personal ambition.

Hadi explained that the dispute began during internal coalition talks, when Bala allegedly accepted a position before later reversing course and claiming a leadership role that did not previously exist.

He maintained that Bala had been duly expelled through party structures from the local to the state level, with proper documentation and public notification.

According to Hadi, the matter is now before the court, making it beyond internal party resolution. He called on INEC to remain neutral, expressing concern over what he perceived as bias.

He clarified that the legal case centres on Bala’s resignation and removal by the party’s National Executive Committee, not factional leadership claims.

Hadi also questioned the credibility of documents linked to Bala’s resignation, citing inconsistencies in signatures, but insisted the letter originated from Bala.

He concluded by stressing that Bala’s actions are personal and do not reflect the ADC or the people of Gombe State.