Nafiu Bala has continued to assert his claim to the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), maintaining a legal battle against the faction led by David Mark.
His protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) came just a day after supporters of the Mark-led group staged a similar demonstration at the same venue.
Addressing supporters during the protest, Bala urged INEC to recognise him as the legitimate national chairman of the party, citing a Court of Appeal ruling to back his position. He accused the Mark faction of attempting to unlawfully take control of the party.
The electoral body had, on April 1, withdrawn recognition of the ADC leadership, referencing a court directive. INEC also stated that it would not monitor any congresses or conventions organised by either faction until a competent court delivers a final ruling.
Meanwhile, the Mark faction — which includes prominent figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso — has repeatedly accused INEC of bias and alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is attempting to push Nigeria toward a one-party system.
Both the APC and the presidency have rejected these claims, insisting that the crisis within the ADC is self-inflicted.
During his address, Bala also accused the Mark-led group of engaging in irregular practices, including what he described as the unauthorised transfer of party leadership and the use of forged signatures to validate their position.
“The incident involving the unauthorised transfer of power raises serious concerns about the rule of law and democratic integrity,” he said. “Forging the signatures of genuine party members undermines the process and erodes public trust in political institutions.”
He warned that such actions could encourage a culture of impunity and deepen public disillusionment with the political system.
Bala called on relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure accountability. He also urged INEC to update its official records to reflect him as the party’s national chairman, insisting that doing so would align with the court’s ruling and help restore stability within the ADC.
The leadership crisis, which intensified after the resignation of Ralph Nwosu as chairman, continues to create uncertainty within the party as it prepares for future elections.
