A factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has expressed disappointment over the failure of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to personally contact him amid the lingering leadership crisis in the party.
Bala, who spoke in an interview with BBC Hausa on Saturday, said he regarded Atiku as a father figure and expected him to reach out, particularly because they both hailed from the same geopolitical zone.
The ADC factional leader spoke while reacting to a court judgment which he said affirmed his faction’s position in the party’s leadership dispute.
He, however, expressed willingness to work with Atiku, former Senate President David Mark and other party stakeholders to strengthen the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bala described the judgment as a vindication of his faction, maintaining that its position was founded on the provisions of the ADC constitution.
“Alhamdulillah. As we always say, truth is truth, while lies remain lies. Allah has vindicated us. The court has seen the merit of our case and our truthfulness and has decided to return the party leadership to us,” he said.
He disclosed that his faction was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before approaching the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to effect the necessary changes to the party’s leadership records.
Despite the court victory, Bala said he had no intention of using the judgment to victimise members of the opposing faction, insisting that both camps needed to put their differences aside in the interest of the opposition.
“This is not a fight. Allah has given us victory, but we are not enemies. We are extending a hand of friendship to them to stop being arrogant and whatever they may say, so that we can strengthen the opposition and face the government,” he stated.
Bala also insisted that anyone seeking to occupy a leadership position or contest an elective office on the ADC platform must comply with the party’s constitutional requirements, including proper membership registration and payment of stipulated dues.
He said the party’s constitution prescribed a minimum of two years of membership and payment of relevant dues for eligibility to hold certain leadership positions.
The factional leader further accused the opposing camp of failing to follow the party’s membership registration procedures, alleging that David Mark obtained his membership card from a former national chairman in Abuja rather than registering through his ward.
He maintained that he had repeatedly cautioned members of the rival faction against disregarding the party’s constitution but that his warnings were ignored.
Bala also dismissed allegations that he was working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilise the opposition, explaining that his decision to approach the court was solely to defend his rights and enforce the ADC constitution.
“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 said.
On the continued appearance of Atiku’s and David Mark’s names on INEC’s portal, Bala said the commission would take the necessary steps after receiving the Certified True Copy of the judgment.
He rejected suggestions that INEC was deliberately delaying action, arguing that the commission might not yet have received the official court documents.
He equally dismissed calls for him to abandon the legal battle because of the large crowds attracted by the opposing faction during political engagements in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
According to him, political influence, popularity and financial resources should not be used as excuses to disregard established laws and constitutional provisions.
Bala further alleged that some individuals involved in the leadership dispute had circulated documents claiming that he had resigned from his position, describing such claims as misleading.
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, he said his faction had directed all aspirants seeking elective positions on the ADC platform to continue their political activities and campaigns.
He urged members of the opposing faction to exercise patience, complete their membership registration at their respective wards and comply with the party’s constitutional provisions.
Speaking on the faction’s finances, Bala said it relied mainly on membership dues and contributions generated through the party’s internal activities.
He also defended his security arrangements and lifestyle, maintaining that he was entitled to adequate protection like other prominent political figures and had legitimate business interests outside politics.
The ADC factional leader urged Nigerian youths to remain peaceful and law-abiding, warning against allowing themselves to be used to fuel political confrontations.
He stressed the need for political actors to respect democratic institutions, party constitutions and the rule of law.
