The leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) deepened on Wednesday as Nafiu Bala assumed office, declaring himself the National Chairman of the party.

Speaking at a press briefing, Bala maintained that he is the “authentic” National Chairman, insisting that both the Electoral Act and the ADC’s constitution recognise him as the rightful successor following the resignation of Ralph Nwosu.

Nwosu stepped down months ago after the opposition coalition adopted the ADC, paving the way for David Mark to be appointed as the party’s Interim National Chairman.

However, Bala, who previously served as the Deputy National Chairman, rejected Mark’s appointment. He accused coalition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, of hijacking the ADC and undermining its internal structures.

However, Bala said: “As our party’s National leadership, we are not aware of any change of leadership.

“Our party’s former National chairman voluntarily resigned his position as the national Chairman of the party.

“Our party’s constitution is very clear on the transfer of power or what we can do when the party’s national chairman resigns.

“As far as our party is concerned, the electoral act and our party constitution says the deputy National Chairman can takeover the leadership of the party.

“I now resume office as the authentic National Chairman of our great party, the African Democratic Congress, ADC.”