An alleged resignation letter linked to Nafiu Bala surfaced online on Wednesday, raising fresh questions about the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress and its ongoing issues with the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The document appeared on social media after it was shared by influencer Emma IK Umeh, at a time when the party is facing internal tension over its leadership structure and INEC’s recent actions concerning the party.
According to the content of one of the letters dated May 18, 2025, Bala was said to have stepped down from his role as a member of the party’s National Working Committee, with the decision taking effect from May 26, 2025.
The letter indicated that the move was made to allow internal restructuring and possible coalition within the party. It also stated that the decision did not mean he was leaving the party, as he remained open to serving in another role in the future.
Another letter, reportedly sent to INEC in Abuja, showed that the party informed the electoral body that Bala had earlier submitted his resignation on May 17, 2025.
The party said the resignation was received and accepted by its National Working Committee in line with its constitution and the Electoral Act. It also asked INEC to update its records to reflect the change in leadership.
The correspondence was said to have been signed by the party’s National Chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu, and National Secretary, Said Baba Abdullahi, confirming that the letter was officially acknowledged within the party.
However, the authenticity of the documents has not been independently confirmed, even as they surfaced during a period of rising tension within the party.
The development comes shortly after INEC removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as leaders of the party. The commission also stated that it would not recognise Bala as national chairman, despite his efforts to secure the position through legal means.
INEC further announced that it would suspend dealings with all factions within the party and would not monitor any congresses or conventions organised by the groups until the court gives a final decision on the matter.