The leadership tussle rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a new turn as the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, formally resumed office as National Chairman, insisting that he is the authentic leader of the party.

Bala, citing the Electoral Act and the ADC constitution, insisted that he was the “authentic party leader,” stressing that the law’s provisions empower the deputy to assume office following the resignation of a substantive national chairman.

Former Chairman Ralph Nwosu had stepped down earlier this year after the ADC joined an opposition coalition, which subsequently appointed former Senate President David Mark as Interim National Chairman.

Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, Bala accused coalition leaders led by Mark of attempting to hijack the ADC.

Bala said: “Our former National Chairman voluntarily resigned, and our constitution clearly outlines the transfer of power. I now resume office as the authentic National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress.

“The party is moving on smoothly. Those who resigned from their leadership positions have stepped aside and are no longer coming to the office, while I have since resumed fully as the National Chairman.

“Our party leaders continue to visit me daily, and I have been receiving delegations from different states. I am effectively overseeing the affairs of the party, and both members and leaders remain solidly with me. In line with the Constitution of our great party, the process of managing and transferring power is very clear.

“I serve as the Deputy National Chairman and the National Chairman. While the National Secretary and some others chose to resign, I did not resign my position as Deputy National Chairman.”

In July, the Ralph Nwosu-led NWC, at a widely publicised event, formally handed over the ADC national secretariat to Senator David Mark and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as Interim National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

Bala, however, dismissed their claim to leadership, insisting that many of those parading themselves as ADC leaders were not even properly registered members.

He added, “Many of those individuals are not card-carrying members of our party. If you wish to join the ADC, you must return to your local government level, formally resign from your previous party, and then register properly as a member of the ADC.”