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Since July 2025, when the opposition coalition assumed leadership of the ADC, the party has been grappling with internal crises, with Bala and the Mark-led group laying claim to its leadership.
As INEC’s decision continued to generate debate, two viral videos obtained by TheCable revealed that Bala was present at the ADC unveiling of the Mark-led leadership in July 2025.
The footage, now circulating on social media, shows Bala seated in the same row as Kenneth Okonkwo, a former chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), alongside other party stakeholders at the ceremony held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
TheCable verified the video through multiple party stakeholders who attended the event.
At the event, Lauretta Onochie, former presidential aide, introduced Bala as the ADC deputy national chairman (intergovernmental affairs).
‘NO FORMAL VOTE OR CONSENSUS ON THE APPOINTMENTS’
In a statement on Tuesday, Bala confirmed his attendance, but insisted that there was no prior agreement to appoint the Mark-led leadership at the meeting.
He said the meeting which held on July 2, 2025, was convened specifically for the adoption of ADC as a unified platform for coalition partners, not to unveil new party leaders.
“Contrary to expectations, the event took an unexpected turn when Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, the then National Chairman, was given the floor to deliver his welcoming address,” Bala said.
“In a shocking move, he announced his resignation as National Chairman, proceeded to issue a membership card to Sen. David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, and declared them Acting National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.”
He said Nwosu’s actions “were in clear contravention of Articles 8(2) and 9(4) of the ADC Constitution (2022, as amended)”.
According to him, the party’s constitution does not empower an outgoing chairman to appoint a successor.
He said the process for replacing the national chairman is “explicitly outlined in the constitution, and Nwosu’s actions disregarded this procedure”.
“I was present at the meeting and can attest that the gathering was not intended for the unveiling of Mark and Aregbesola as party leaders,” Bala said.
“My attendance at the meeting and previous engagements with coalition partners from April 2024 to July 2025 do not imply endorsement of the irregular appointments.
“There was no formal vote or consensus on the appointments, and several National Working Committee (NWC) members, including myself, were taken aback by the developments.”
He added that following Nwosu’s announcement, Sa’id Baba Abdullahi, the then national secretary of the party resigned, citing unclear circumstances.
“None of the NWC members were privy to the situation, and neither Nwosu nor Abdullahi had discussed the matter with us prior to the meeting,” the ADC factional chair stated.
“I trust this clarification addresses the concerns raised by the circulating videos of my humble self on social media platforms. I appreciate the opportunity to provide accurate information and set the record straight.”
