The crisis within the African Democratic Congress has escalated after its acting National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, alleged that he was deceived into attending a ceremony where a new leadership structure was installed.

Bala said in a televised interview that he was invited under the impression that the event was meant for the adoption of new coalition members, but later discovered it was actually a leadership handover.

According to him, the former party chairman, Ralph Nwosu, announced his resignation at the same event and introduced a new leadership team, including former Senate President David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.

“I was tricked into attending the handing-over ceremony,” Bala said, insisting he had no prior knowledge of the transition.

He also claimed that he later wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission asserting himself as the legitimate acting chairman, but was informed that he had already resigned his position as deputy national chairman.

The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership dispute involving rival factions loyal to David Mark, Dumebi Kachikwu, and Nafiu Bala, all claiming legitimacy ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has reportedly stepped back from recognising any faction until the courts resolve the matter.

Neither David Mark’s camp nor Ralph Nwosu has responded to Bala’s latest allegations.