The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has instructed candidates nominated under his leadership to continue their campaigns. This directive comes after a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja nullified the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the party. Bala declared that candidates produced by his faction remained the legitimate flag bearers of the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Federal High Court judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, invalidated the leadership of the Mark-led faction and all decisions taken under it. Bala's faction will immediately resume political activities, including campaigns involving governorship candidates and other aspirants nominated under his leadership. He expressed confidence that the party would overcome its leadership crisis and urged members of the opposing faction to support candidates nominated under his leadership.
Bala ruled out immediate reconciliation with the opposing faction, insisting that its members must first comply with the ADC's membership requirements before seeking to participate in the party's affairs. He specifically called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and David Mark to register as members of the party in their respective wards. Bala emphasized that reconciliation could be considered after the 2027 elections, but the immediate priority was to secure victory for candidates already nominated by his faction.
The judgment nullified the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the ADC's presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The court ruled that the Mark-led Caretaker Committee, which conducted the party's primary election that produced Atiku, was illegal. Bala had instituted a suit challenging the process through which Mark's leadership assumed control of the party, arguing that following the resignation of the former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to assume the party's leadership.
Bala dismissed the possibility of another appeal against the judgment, describing any fresh legal challenge as an academic exercise. He claimed that the dispute had already gone through the judicial process, including proceedings at the Supreme Court, and insisted that his faction would not suspend its activities over any further legal action by the opposing camp. Bala also criticised members of the opposing faction over statements and threats allegedly made after the judgment.
The factional chairman urged members of the opposing faction to support candidates nominated under his leadership, arguing that the deadline for conducting primaries and nominating candidates had passed. Bala suggested that those who wanted to contest had missed the opportunity, but they could support his candidates to achieve victory. He added that his faction would resume campaign activities alongside Professor Chris Uba and other candidates.
Bala's directive to his candidates comes as the ADC prepares for the 2027 general elections. The party's leadership crisis has been ongoing, with both factions claiming legitimacy. Bala's faction is now set to continue its activities, while the opposing faction may consider supporting his candidates or exploring other options. The outcome of the party's leadership crisis and its impact on the 2027 elections remains to be seen.
Key points
- Nafiu Bala directs ADC candidates to resume campaigns following court ruling.
- Court judgment nullifies Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC.
- Bala rules out immediate reconciliation with opposing faction.
