A factional leader of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has extended an olive branch to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark and other party chieftains following a court judgment that affirmed his faction’s position in the party’s leadership dispute.
Mr Bala said he was willing to work with the opposing faction to strengthen the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the judgment should not be used to settle political scores.
He stated this during an interview with BBC Hausa on Saturday while reacting to the Federal High Court judgment, which he said had vindicated his faction as the authentic leadership of the party.
He said the ruling affirmed his position that the leadership transition which produced the Mark-led faction was inconsistent with the provisions of the party’s 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.
Mr Bala 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.
He, however, urged members of the opposing faction to embrace reconciliation, saying the dispute should not prevent opposition politicians from working together against the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
“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 said.
The factional leader insisted that anyone seeking to join the ADC or contest elective positions on its platform must comply with the party’s constitutional provisions, particularly those relating to ward registration, payment of membership dues and eligibility for leadership positions.
According to him, the party’s constitution requires members to have at least two years of membership and fulfil their financial obligations before qualifying for leadership positions.
He accused the opposing faction of disregarding the party’s registration procedures, alleging that Mark obtained his membership card from a former national chairman in Abuja instead of registering at his ward.
Mr Bala said he had repeatedly warned the opposing group about the consequences of failing to follow the party’s constitution, but his advice was ignored.
He also dismissed allegations that he was working with the APC to destabilise the opposition, insisting that his decision to approach the court was motivated by his desire to defend his rights and uphold the party’s 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 and Mark’s names on INEC’s portal, Mr Bala said the commission would act appropriately after receiving the certified copy of the judgment.
