North-East ADC caucus declares support for Nafiu Bala as acting chairman

… urges prospective allies to follow due process in membership

As the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Party (ADC) lingers, the North-East zonal leadership of the party has declared its support for Nafiu Bala as the acting national chairman of the party.

The declaration was made at the end of a stakeholders’ consultative meeting of the ADC held in Bauchi with representatives from the Six States in the zone in attendance.

Reading an official statement of the North-East Zonal Caucus of the party, Hon. Shehu Usman, Zonal Publicity Secretary, stated that, “The Northeast Caucus of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gathered in Bauchi to discuss recent developments within our party.

“Following thorough deliberations, we resolved to: Endorsement of Leadership Transition, we unanimously endorse the voluntary resignation of Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu as National Chairman and support the seamless transition of leadership to Hon. Nafiu Bala, Deputy National Chairman, in an acting capacity.

“Support for new leadership: We reaffirmed our support and allegiance to Hon Nafiu Bala’s leadership, ensuring continuity and stability within the party.

“We want to state in strong terms that the purported announcement by one Auwal Barde, who purports to be the state chairman of ADC, Gombe State, is invalid, wrong, unlawful and illegal in the sense that Auwal Barde is not a party leader of Gombe State.

“As such, he has no capacity whatsoever to announce the expulsion of Hon Nafiu Bala. Therefore, we urge the general public to ignore such purported acts of indiscipline or illegality.

“Secondly, he said he (Nafiu), was expelled based on an act of indiscipline. We want to state that Nafiu Bala has never been accused of any indiscipline, whether in breach of any constitution of the party or the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or the Electoral Act.

“As such, nobody should say he has been expelled, further, we want to state that no disciplinary procedure was ever adopted in the so called disciplinary proceedings against Hon Nafiu Bala, no notice whatsoever was either posted, served personally on him, pasted at his last place of abode i.e his residence, as such he has not been heard for any purpoted charge of indiscipline.

“In fact, as at the 25th of August, 2025, Hon Nafiu Bala visited his Ward at Gombe, Nassarawo, he was warmly welcomed by his stakeholders and party supporters, as such, no issue of expulsion was raised by the stakeholders.

“We respectfully urge leaders of the proposed coalition to adhere to the following guidelines: Membership Registration; Register as bona fide ADC members at their respective ward levels, demonstrating their commitment to the party’s principles and values.”

They are also urged to have respect for the established party structures at all levels, recognising the importance of a strong and organised party framework as well as compliance with the Electoral Act and the ADC Constitution; ensuring that all actions and decisions are guided by the rule of law and party regulations.

The caucus stressed that the ADC remains a progressive platform committed to democratic renewal and national transformation, stating that, “We welcome constructive partnerships based on transparency, legality, and shared vision, recognising the value of collaboration and cooperation in achieving our goals.

“We strongly condemn the efforts of certain individuals who seek to create confusion and disharmony among loyal party members. We urge all members to remain vigilant and committed to the party’s principles and values.”

The caucus urged all members, supporters, and prospective allies to unite under the guiding principles as they work towards a new Nigeria, stressing,”Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous, and more equitable society for all Nigerians.”

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE