Fresh documents have surfaced raising serious questions about the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) handling of the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), fueling concerns over alleged inconsistencies and possible external influence.
The controversy comes on the heels of INEC’s position, articulated in a statement on Wednesday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, where the Commission maintained that its actions were strictly based on the judgment of the Court of Appeal.
However, documents now in circulation appear to challenge key claims central to the dispute.
One of the documents, dated May 17, 2025, is a resignation letter purportedly written by Hon. Nafiu Bala, indicating his decision to step down as Deputy National Chairman of the ADC.
“I… do hereby write to notify you of my resignation as member of the National Working Committee of our great party… with effect from 26 May, 2025,” the letter reads.
The letter further states that the resignation was intended to facilitate “a smooth and effective coalition and restructuring,” while affirming continued loyalty to the party.
“My resignation does not in any way mean that I am abandoning the party, so I would be ready to serve in any other capacity I may be called upon in the future,” the document added.
In a separate correspondence addressed to INEC and dated July 21, 2025, the ADC formally notified the Commission of Bala’s resignation, stating that it had been “duly received, considered, and formally accepted” by the party’s National Working Committee in line with its constitution and the Electoral Act.
“This is to formally notify the Commission that Hon. Nafiu Bala… has resigned his position,” the letter stated, requesting INEC to update its records accordingly.
The document, acknowledged by INEC, reinforces the party’s position that the resignation was official and procedurally completed.
These revelations appear to contradict claims by Bala in ongoing litigation, where he insists he never resigned and should automatically assume the role of National Chairman following internal changes within the party.
The emergence of the documents has intensified scrutiny of INEC’s recent decisions, particularly its insistence on maintaining a “status quo ante bellum” that critics argue may not align with the factual sequence of events.
Political observers say the situation raises fundamental questions about the Commission’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling and whether its actions inadvertently—or deliberately—create a leadership vacuum within the ADC.
With INEC declining to recognise any faction pending the determination of the case at the Federal High Court, stakeholders are now questioning whether the Commission’s stance reflects strict legal compliance or a broader political calculation.
The unfolding developments have added a new layer of tension to Nigeria’s political landscape, as parties begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
