Nafiu Bala, former deputy national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has unveiled a controversial proposal to bar individuals above 55 years from contesting elective positions under his leadership of the party.
Bala, who is laying claim to the party’s leadership, disclosed this during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, describing the move as part of a broader effort to empower younger Nigerians and reshape the country’s political leadership.
“Under my leadership, anyone above the age of 55 will not be eligible to contest for office under the ADC,” he said.
“We are giving the youth their rightful chance to lead.”
He stressed that the proposed policy is designed to signal a generational shift in governance and reposition the ADC as a platform driven by youthful energy and innovation.
“It is time to show these elders, some of whom are between 75 and 90 years old, that the era of the youth has arrived,” he added.
Bala also used the opportunity to challenge the legitimacy of certain individuals parading themselves as leaders within the party, insisting they are not duly registered members.
“It is necessary for us to speak out. People who are not even members of our party are claiming leadership,” he said.
“Article 9 of our constitution clearly outlines the procedure for becoming a registered member of the ADC.
“One cannot simply receive a membership card at an event and be declared a leader. Such an act is a direct violation of our constitutional process. Officially, these individuals are not members of our party because they did not follow due process.”
Clarifying his presence at the ADC’s July 2, 2025 unveiling of interim leaders, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, Bala denied endorsing the former Senate President as national chairman.
“I attended the event, but not with the intention of endorsing David Mark as our leader,” he said.
“My purpose was to support those adopting the ADC as the platform they would join to challenge the current administration.
“The post I made on social media was simply to welcome them and express my willingness to collaborate.”
He also dismissed claims surrounding a reported reconciliation meeting with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
“Regarding the meeting hosted by Kwankwaso, he invited David Mark, Musa Ungoggo, and others to his home,” Bala said.
“However, any membership card signed by David Mark is illegal, as David Mark himself is not a recognised leader under our statutes.
“Even if Musa Ungoggo, the state chairman, was present, it does not validate a process that bypassed our legal framework.
“As the legitimate leader of the ADC, I am currently overseeing our preparations for the upcoming elections. My goal is to lead the ADC to victory at both the gubernatorial and presidential levels.
“Given the weight of this responsibility, I am not a person who can simply be summoned to a private residence on a whim.”
Bala further alleged that he has been subjected to insults by some party members.
“They have referred to me as a ‘small boy’ and a ‘son of nobody’,” he said.
He also maintained that the judiciary has already settled the party’s leadership dispute in his favour.
“The judiciary has already spoken. They appealed the case, but the court dismissed their appeal and fined them N2 million,” he added.
“Furthermore, the court directed INEC to remove their names and cease all communication with them regarding party affairs.
“If they truly want peace within the party, they must go back and register through the proper legal channels.”
