ADC Crisis Deepens as Abdullahi Alleges Rival Lured with Inducements

The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress has taken a fresh turn, with the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleging that embattled figure Nafiu Bala defected in loyalty after receiving inducements from external political interests.

Speaking during an interview on a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ogun State, Abdullahi claimed the party made several attempts to reconcile with Bala but could not match the alleged offers extended to him.

According to Abdullahi, Bala’s sudden lifestyle change raised concerns within the party. He pointed to what he described as the acquisition of luxury assets and security details as evidence that the former party figure had aligned with forces outside the ADC.

“We made efforts to pacify him, but at that point he had already approached people within government who were willing to use him, and we could not match what they were offering him,” Abdullahi said.

The allegations come amid a deepening leadership tussle within the African Democratic Congress, which escalated after Bala disowned a purported resignation letter and insisted he remains the rightful acting chairman.

The dispute has drawn in the Independent National Electoral Commission, following a Court of Appeal ruling that Abdullahi argued had been misinterpreted. He maintained that the directive to maintain status quo referred to the leadership structure before the crisis, which recognised David Mark as chairman.

Abdullahi further accused INEC of overstepping its constitutional role, insisting that the commission lacks the authority to determine or remove party leadership.

“INEC does not have the power to remove leadership of a political party. Political parties are voluntary associations, and their internal affairs cannot be dictated externally,” he said.

He also dismissed Bala’s claim that his resignation was forged, challenging him to provide proof of any formal complaint to law enforcement authorities. Abdullahi added that even if such claims were valid, a subsequent National Executive Committee decision had already dissolved the party’s leadership and installed a caretaker committee.

Beyond the internal dispute, Abdullahi alleged a broader political agenda aimed at weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. He warned that such actions could undermine democratic competition and reduce electoral choices for Nigerians.

“All these developments are designed to ensure that by 2027 there will be only one viable candidate,” he alleged.

Despite the crisis, Abdullahi affirmed that the ADC would proceed with its planned national convention, stating that the party had complied with all legal requirements, including notifying INEC within the stipulated timeframe.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, describing the situation as a test of the country’s democratic institutions.

“What is at stake is not just the ADC, but Nigeria’s democracy,” Abdullahi said.