Dino Melaye criticises Nafiu Bala over ADC leadership dispute, alleging inconsistencies in claims about party meetings and INEC ratification
Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has accused the embattled factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala, of what he described as inconsistency and self-interest in the ongoing ADC leadership dispute Melaye referenced during a televised interview.
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Melaye made the remarks while appearing on Arise Television on Wednesday night, where he addressed the internal crisis within the opposition party and the leadership structure recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He alleged that Nafiu Bala was present at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, during which the party’s leadership was ratified.
According to Melaye, the meeting, which was monitored by INEC, endorsed David Mark as Interim National Chairman alongside other officials including Rauf Aregbesola.
Melaye claimed that Bala’s participation in the same meeting contradicted his current stance challenging the leadership arrangement.
He further alleged that Bala had acknowledged the outcomes of the NEC meeting at the time, alongside INEC’s oversight of the process.
Describing Bala’s position as contradictory, Melaye stated that the leadership ratification process had already been completed and recognised before the emergence of the current dispute in court.
He maintained that David Mark’s position as National Chairman became effective following the NEC decision, which he described as the highest decision-making body of the party.
He added that correspondence was later sent to INEC in August to confirm the leadership positions, noting that the commission had acknowledged the communication.
Melaye further asserted that Bala’s move to challenge the leadership in court came months after the NEC ratification.
According to him, Bala had earlier resigned from his position in May 2025 before initiating legal action in September of the same year, suggesting that the current contestation arose after the leadership structure had already been established.
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The remarks highlight the continuing tensions within the ADC, as competing factions seek legal and institutional recognition of their respective claims to leadership amid ongoing scrutiny by electoral authorities.
