Ex-ADC guber candidates back Nafiu Bala’s faction, ask Atiku, Obi to ‘follow due process’

The governorship candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2023 elections have declared support for the faction led by Nafiu Bala.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Terhemen Tilley-Gyado, the Benue ADC 2023 governorship candidate, said he and his colleagues have endorsed Bala to serve in an acting capacity following Ralph Nwosu’s resignation as the party chairman.

“This decision ensures stability and continuity in our party’s mission,” Tilley-Gyado said.

He asked opposition leaders, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; David Mark, former senate president; Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023; Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna; and Rotimi Amaechi, ex-minister of transportation, among others, to “adhere strictly to due process” in joining the party.

Tilley-Gyado said this includes resigning from their former political parties and registering to become bona fide members of the ADC at their respective wards.

“The ADC remains a progressive, integrity-driven platform ready to champion Nigeria’s democratic renewal,” he said.

“We are gratified that these respected leaders find our party a worthy vehicle for coalition-building and national transformation. We welcome all constructive partnerships anchored on transparency, legality, and shared vision.”

While accepting the endorsement, Bala said he will lead the party with “integrity, wisdom, and dedication”.

“I will work tirelessly to strengthen our party, promote unity, and advance our collective vision for a better Nigeria,” he said.

“My leadership focal point shall be to strengthen our party structures as an institution, enhance internal democracy and inclusivity, promote policy development and implementation of the party’s resolutions, and foster strategic partnerships and alliances with any group of individuals who extend their hands of friendship to us.”

He asked members to be united for the party’s growth and progress.

BACKGROUND

In July, opposition politicians and some ADC leaders adopted the party as the coalition platform for the 2027 elections.

On July 2, Nwosu announced the resignation of the national working committee (NWC) and endorsed the interim leadership headed by Mark.

The coalition members have written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Mark-led NWC.

On July 30, Bala declared himself as the acting national chairman of the party.

Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has also kicked against the adoption of the ADC by the opposition alliance.