The African Democratic Congress Youth Network in Gombe State has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Nafiu Bala to reverse his recent statements and formally accept his alleged resignation from the party amid a deepening leadership crisis.
Recently, the Independent National Electoral Commission said it recognised the Nafiu Bala faction, jettisoning the camp aligned with David Mark.
In a press release on Monday, the Convener of the group, Abubakar Galafi, expressed outrage over what he termed “internal hijack of democracy,” accusing Bala of undermining the party’s unity and credibility.
He said, “Today, we speak with outrage and clear conviction on behalf of the youth and grassroots members of the African Democratic Congress who refuse to be silent while democracy is being hijacked from within.”
While arguing that the crisis had escalated beyond an internal party disagreement, Galafi alleged that Bala’s actions constituted “a deliberate assault on the very democratic values ADC stands for.”
“Despite multiple legal pronouncements and party procedures, Mr. Bala has willingly aligned himself with forces seeking to sabotage the credibility and unity of our party.
“Instead of resolving disputes through constitutional means, he chose chaos, confusion, and manipulation.
“His repeated denials and refusal to acknowledge his resignation expose a desperation to cling to power, not a commitment to democratic principles.
External interferences
“It is deeply disturbing that certain external actors, including elements connected to the ruling party, are using Bala as a tool to destabilise ADC internally ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.
Galafi decried “heavy security presence and government-backed privileges” around Bala which he described as evidence of a “sinister agenda” to weaken the opposition party from within.
“We reject any narrative that legitimises actions that threaten the independence of ADC. We reject any alignment that serves personal ambition over party principles,” he said.
“Hon. Nafiu Bala, you have 48 hours to reverse your statements and formally accept your resignation from ADC, or forfeit any claim to our support as youths and stakeholders in Gombe State,” Galafi declared.
“To those attempting to generalise Gombe people based on this misconduct, you do not represent us. You are a lone bad apple, and we no longer recognise you as one of our own,” he added.
“For too long, democracy in Nigeria, particularly in the North, has been exploited by opportunists.
ADC was founded on the promise of genuine representation and credible opposition. We will not allow internal sabotage to undo this work,” he warned.
