The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafi’u Bala, has announced that the party will not present any candidate above the age of 55 for elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
Bala made the disclosure during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, stating that the policy is aimed at creating opportunities for younger Nigerians to participate in leadership.
According to him, the decision reflects the need to reposition the party and address what he described as the dominance of older politicians in the political space.
“All the new illegal members are 88, 75, 90 years of age. They should allow us youths to step in and lead. My focus is to ensure that anyone above 55 years will not be a candidate of the ADC. It is high time the youths are given a chance,” he said.
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The development comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s national structure. The situation has been further complicated by the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise either faction.
Responding to allegations that he is being backed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections, Bala dismissed the claims as unfounded.
“These people, judging by their history in their former political parties, are used to causing conflicts and strife. They are trying to do the same in the ADC,” he stated.
On his absence at a reconciliation meeting reportedly convened by former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Bala questioned the legitimacy of the invitation, insisting he had more pressing engagements.
“We are planning for the 2027 elections and have a lot of engagements. I am not someone who has free time to attend any meeting called in someone’s parlour. Besides, he is not a legitimate member of our party, so I cannot go to his house to discuss ADC matters,” he said.
Bala maintained that resolving the party’s internal crisis requires strict adherence to its constitution, urging new members to follow due process.
He also appealed to dissenting members to accept his leadership, despite criticisms regarding his age and background.
“I call on those who think they cannot follow my leadership because I am young and not from an influential background to understand that leadership comes from God. They should fall in line, and I will ensure justice is done,” Bala added.