The factional Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Nafi’u Bala, has denied a publication claiming he expressed regret over his involvement in the party’s internal crisis and alleged that his life was under threat.
Bala, who was the ADC’s 2023 governorship candidate in Gombe, was reacting to a report that his life was in danger.
He was quoted as saying that he never anticipated the level of fallout that followed the political disagreements within the party, insisting that the situation had escalated beyond control.
“I regret my role in the ADC crises. I did not know it would reach this level. My life is in danger,” he was quoted as saying.
In a statement released on Sunday, Bala described the report as “false, malicious, and deliberately crafted to damage my integrity,” stressing that he neither granted any interview nor authorised anyone to speak on his behalf regarding the issue.
He explained that his actions within the party strictly followed due process after the resignation of the former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, on July 2, 2025.
According to him, any suggestion that he expressed regret or attempted to distance himself from the leadership dispute is entirely untrue.
“I have not instructed anyone, including the individual mentioned in the publication, to make statements on my behalf. Such claims should be disregarded,” Bala stated.
The ADC chairman also dismissed reports suggesting threats to his life or that of his family, describing them as baseless and intended to stir public sympathy while undermining his position.
Addressing claims linking Leke Abejide to the controversy, Bala said he neither accused the lawmaker of abandonment nor inducement, adding that efforts to involve him in the narrative were misleading.
He, however, acknowledged Abejide’s departure from the party as a significant loss and noted that his contributions to the ADC’s growth remain appreciated.
Bala reaffirmed his commitment to seeking justice through the courts, emphasising that the matter is currently before the Federal High Court. He maintained that he has no intention of withdrawing the case or pursuing an out-of-court settlement.
“My position is not driven by personal gain or political compensation but is firmly rooted in the ADC constitution, particularly Articles 8(2) and 9(4),” he said.
He concluded by describing the publication as political propaganda aimed at misleading the public and influencing ongoing judicial proceedings, urging both the media and the public to disregard it.
Bala also warned those behind what he described as defamatory reports to desist, adding that he would continue to communicate through lawful and appropriate channels.