Fresh Crisis Hits ADC As Faction Drags Rivals Before US Embassy Over ‘Illegal Takeover’

A fresh leadership crisis is brewing within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a faction of the party has petitioned the United States Embassy in Abuja, accusing some members of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership.

The faction, led by Nafiu Bala, is calling on the US to impose sanctions, including visa restrictions, on individuals allegedly involved in what it described as an unconstitutional takeover of the party.

Naija News reports that in a formal complaint addressed to the US Embassy, Bala, who claims to be the authentic National Chairman of the party, alleged that certain politicians violated the ADC constitution and failed to follow due process in assuming leadership positions.

“I am writing to you in my capacity as the Authentic National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress,” he said.

“I want to highlight a serious issue within our party that we think is putting the democratic process and the rule of law in Nigeria at risk.”

Appealing to the US as a global symbol of democracy, Bala urged the embassy to take a firm stance against what he termed an “undemocratic takeover” of the party.

Bala traced the genesis of the crisis to the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu, alongside other members of the National Working Committee.

According to him, the ADC constitution clearly stipulates that the Deputy National Chairman should assume leadership in the event of a vacancy.

“When the National Chairman position becomes empty, the Deputy National Chairman must take over to keep things running smoothly,” he stated.

“Following the resignations, I, Hon. Nafiu Bala, remained the sole and only National Deputy Chairman who did not resign. So, by law and following the proper steps, it was my duty as a leader to take charge of the party’s matters.”

He added that “by constitutional right and due process, the mantle of leadership fell on me to steer the affairs of the party.”

The faction further alleged that external political actors were interfering in the party’s affairs in a bid to seize control.

“However, our rightful journey toward leadership has been blocked by outside political forces, including power seekers from different political parties,” Bala said.

“These people are trying to take control of the ADC and become leaders without following our party’s rules or proper procedures.”

He disclosed that the matter had been taken to court, accusing opponents of resorting to propaganda rather than legal processes.

Bala also dismissed claims that his faction was being backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the ruling All Progressives Congress.

“They are falsely claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is supporting and using the courts to suppress their ambitions,” he said.

“To be clear… we have no connection, relationship, or link with President Tinubu or his political party, the All Progressives Congress.”

The faction urged the United States to closely monitor developments within the party and take action if necessary.

“We respectfully request that should these undemocratic elements succeed in seizing our party leadership through unconstitutional means, the United States should consider imposing sanctions against them,” he said.

He specifically called for visa restrictions and the withdrawal of privileges accorded to democratic leaders.

“We specifically ask for the removal or rejection of any special rights, like visas or diplomatic treatment, that are usually given to real democrats and democratic leaders,” Bala stressed.

He emphasised that the petition was aimed at safeguarding democratic principles within the party and Nigeria at large.

“Such actions would show clearly that the international community will not accept undermining the party’s internal democracy and the country’s constitutional procedures,” he added.

“We hope you will take our appeal seriously and act quickly, as it is important for fairness and the future of democracy in Nigeria.”