Nafi’u Bala faction denies regret, dismisses threat claims

By Abubakar Yunusa

The national leadership of the African Democratic Congress under the Nafi’u Bala faction has dismissed as false and malicious a report claiming that its National Chairman, Hon. Nafi’u Bala Gombe, regretted his role in the party’s lingering crisis and alleged that his life was under threat.

The party described the publication as a calculated smear campaign aimed at damaging Bala’s reputation and weakening his legal position in the ongoing leadership tussle within the party.

In a statement issued on behalf of the faction by the Chief of Staff to the ADC National Chairman, Hon. Bala Sani Kumo, the group faulted the report attributed to one Ben Tanko, which purportedly quoted Bala through an alleged associate, Nafiu Umaru.

Kumo said the publication was entirely fabricated and should be disregarded by the public and the media.

He maintained that Bala had never granted any interview expressing regret over his involvement in the ADC crisis, nor authorised anyone to speak on his behalf on the matter.

According to him, Bala remains committed to pursuing his constitutional claim to the party’s leadership following the resignation of Chief Ralph Nwosu on July 2, 2025.

The faction also dismissed allegations that Bala’s life or that of his family was under threat, insisting that such claims were deliberately concocted to attract sympathy and discredit his legitimate legal pursuit.

Kumo further denied reports suggesting Bala had accused Hon. Leke Abejide of abandonment or inducement, describing attempts to drag the lawmaker’s name into the controversy as mischievous.

The statement, however, acknowledged the exit of Abejide from the ADC, describing his withdrawal as a major setback for the party.

It said the departure of the lawmaker, who was the party’s sole duly elected member of the House of Representatives for over 15 years, represented a significant loss.

The faction alleged that Abejide’s decision to leave the party was influenced by coalition members seeking to hijack the ADC’s structure and create internal discord.

Despite the setback, the group commended Abejide’s contributions to the growth and development of the party, saying his efforts would not be forgotten.

Kumo stressed that Bala’s position was rooted in the provisions of the ADC Constitution and not based on personal gains or political compensation.

He warned those behind what he described as defamatory publications to desist, noting that legal action would be pursued should the alleged smear campaign persist.

The faction reiterated that Bala would continue to seek justice through lawful means and would address the public at the appropriate time through proper channels.