Bala made the disclosure during an interview with journalists on Saturday, dismissing allegations that he was receiving financial backing from external political interests.

Naija News reports that the ADC factional leader spoke amid questions surrounding the source of funds for his faction and his decision to challenge the party’s leadership in court against the camp led by former Senate President, David Mark.

Some political stakeholders have accused Bala of collaborating with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency to destabilise the ADC and weaken its opposition structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, Bala rejected the allegations, insisting that his faction relied largely on membership dues and contributions generated through its internal activities.

He also identified himself as a businessman with multiple sources of income, maintaining that he had the financial capacity to meet the costs of his personal security and legal proceedings.

Addressing concerns over his security arrangements, Bala argued that he was entitled to personal protection like other prominent politicians. He questioned why the resources used to secure him had become a subject of public controversy.

On the ongoing legal dispute over the party’s leadership, Bala explained that his decision to approach the court was motivated by the need to protect the ADC constitution and uphold the rule of law.

He insisted that his legal action had nothing to do with political influence, financial strength or personal ambition.

Bala also commented on the continued appearance of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and David Mark on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal despite the court judgment that removed them from their respective positions.

According to him, INEC would take the appropriate steps once it received the certified true copy of the judgment, suggesting that the commission might not yet have obtained the official court documents.

He dismissed suggestions that the electoral umpire was deliberately refusing to implement the ruling, arguing that the continued appearance of their names on its portal did not indicate that INEC was disregarding the court’s decision.

The ADC factional leader further rejected calls suggesting that the large crowds attracted by the party during its political rallies in Sokoto and Kebbi should have persuaded him to discontinue the court case.

Explaining his determination to pursue the matter, Bala said: “I went to court with only the Constitution. I told the world that if they had followed the right procedures, the court should rule in their favour. But if we were right, we should be given our rights.”

He maintained that political popularity, connections and financial resources should never give anyone the privilege to disregard established rules and procedures.

Bala warned that Nigeria could not make meaningful progress if influential individuals were allowed to operate above the law.

He also accused some individuals involved in the leadership dispute of circulating fake documents claiming that he had resigned from his position, describing the reports as misleading.

Speaking about his relationship with Atiku, Bala described the former vice president as a father figure, noting that both of them hailed from the same geopolitical zone.

However, he expressed disappointment that Atiku had not personally reached out to him despite the prolonged leadership crisis. He also lamented that some party members continued to portray him as an enemy of the ADC.

Despite the ongoing dispute, Bala disclosed that his faction had instructed all its aspirants to continue their campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He insisted that the legal battle would not disrupt the faction’s political activities and urged members of the opposing camp to exercise patience and respect the judicial process.

He further called on them to complete their membership registration in their respective wards in accordance with the party’s constitution.

Makinde had earlier confirmed that he was engaged in discussions with Atiku and the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.

However, a report by The Punch indicates that the negotiations between Atiku and Makinde are separate from the broader consultations among opposition leaders seeking to present a common presidential candidate against Tinubu.

According to the publication, there are strong indications that the former Vice President and the Oyo governor could eventually work together ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Political figures familiar with the discussions disclosed that representatives of both camps had held several meetings and were making progress towards reaching an agreement.

A South-West leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed optimism about the outcome of the negotiations.

He described the discussions as recent, purposeful and promising, adding that both politicians could formally announce their plans soon.

When asked when the proposed alliance would be made public, the ADC chieftain jokingly responded, “before January 16,” accompanied by a laughing emoji in a text message.

Similarly, a candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), who is familiar with Makinde’s political activities, expressed confidence that the governor would work with Atiku during the 2027 presidential election.

He explained that the proposed alliance was gradually taking shape following several virtual and physical meetings involving representatives of both political camps.

“The available information is that the Atiku and Makinde alliance is very possible, and it is taking shape. A series of meetings, both virtual and physical, have been held in the last few weeks, and they are fruitful.

“What is on the ground shows that both parties have reached compromises, and they are going to unveil that very soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that Makinde was holding discussions with other opposition leaders, although he did not specifically confirm an agreement between the governor and Atiku.

Oyelade described the politicians involved in the consultations as experienced individuals who understand the complexities of contemporary politics, particularly issues surrounding the Tinubu administration.

He added that Makinde was willing to collaborate with other opposition groups if such an arrangement could provide a practical solution to the challenges facing Nigerians.

According to the commissioner, the governor believes that the country must address the growing hardship and poverty affecting citizens.

He stated, “As far as Governor Seyi Makinde is concerned, he is not averse to working directly with other opposition tendencies as long as there’s light at the end of the tunnel to end the unequalled sufferings of the masses, because he believes that the level of renewed poverty is absolutely needless.”

However, the specific details of the negotiations remain unclear, including the proposed structure of the alliance and how the parties intend to resolve possible disagreements over the presidential ticket.

The ADC has also confirmed that opposition parties are continuing consultations on possible collaboration ahead of the 2027 general election.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, maintained that the discussions involved several opposition parties and were not restricted to any particular political figure.

“All opposition parties are still talking. And it’s never too late,” he said in a WhatsApp message to the publication.