An old photograph of Nafiu Bala Gombe—described by some party insiders as a factional chairman and once the ADC Deputy National Chairman—standing beside former Senate President David Mark has reappeared online. The image surfaced shortly after Bala reportedly posted, then deleted, a resignation note that recognised a new set of ADC leaders. Together, the photo and the vanished post have reignited the party’s long-running leadership dispute and raised questions over which faction the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will recognise in the coming elections.
The picture, showing Bala behind Mark and several others, has circulated on social media and in party WhatsApp groups. Depending on which ADC camp is speaking, it is either proof of an old alliance, a symbolic hand-off, or simple political theatre.
A brief message that appeared on Bala’s Facebook page—and disappeared within some days reportedly said he was stepping down and wished the new leadership well. Screenshots of the note are now being shared by both factions.
Context: the ADC split
The party has been divided for months, with rival chairmen, competing executive lists and conflicting meetings. The stakes are high: whoever signs candidate nomination forms, controls the party logo and communicates with INEC can make or break an election campaign.
