Ishaku Abbo, former senator and member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has attributed the ongoing crisis within the party to a broken agreement over leadership positions. The dispute centres on Nafiu Bala, former Deputy National Chairman from Gombe State, who stepped down with the entire National Working Committee (NWC) to allow for a new leadership structure led by Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary. Abbo stated that a deal was reached for Bala to be appointed National Vice Chairman (North-East), a position below his former role, which he accepted in the interest of party unity. However, the position was instead given to Babachir David Lawal, triggering discontent among Bala's allies.
Abbo said the move was seen as a breach of trust, with Bala rejecting a lesser alternative role and growing critical of the leadership. Unverified reports suggest a serving governor and a former minister may have influenced legal actions and regulatory pressure in the background. The North-East, already holding several top national roles, adds complexity to the dispute over Bala's exclusion. Abbo warned the rift could undermine ADC's cohesion, especially ahead of state-level elections, including in Adamawa. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is also under scrutiny for its recent involvement in party affairs.
Nafiu Bala's demotion despite accepting a reduced role exposes the fragility of political agreements within the ADC. When figures like Babachir David Lawal are elevated over consensus picks, it signals that internal deals mean little once power is consolidated. This undermines trust not just in the leadership of David Mark and Aregbesola, but in the party's ability to manage regional representation fairly. For Nigerian voters, especially in the North-East, such instability raises doubts about the ADC's readiness as a credible alternative.
