The leadership tussle in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a fresh twist as the party’s former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, declared himself the authentic National Chairman, dismissing the recent handover of the party’s secretariat to Senator David Mark and former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola.

Last July, the Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party ceremoniously transferred the secretariat to Mark and Aregbesola, announcing them as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

But addressing journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, Bala said he was unaware of such a transition, insisting that the ADC constitution empowers him to assume leadership following the resignation of the former chairman.

He said, “We are not aware of any change in leadership. Our former chairman voluntarily resigned, and the party’s constitution is clear on succession. Once the national chairman resigns, the deputy automatically steps in. By that provision, I have resumed office as the authentic National Chairman of our great party, the ADC.”