A factional leader of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has offered to reconcile with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and other party chieftains. This move comes amid the lingering leadership crisis rocking the opposition party. Bala insisted that members seeking elective and leadership positions in the party must comply with its constitution, including fulfilling the stipulated membership requirements.
Bala made the remarks during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Saturday while reacting to the November 5 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court nullified the David Mark-led caretaker committee, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu. Bala had instituted a suit challenging the process through which the caretaker committee emerged. The ruling also set aside the processes leading to Atiku's emergence as the party's presidential candidate.
Bala described the judgment as a victory for his faction, affirming his position on the leadership dispute. He disclosed that his faction was awaiting the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgment before approaching the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to effect changes to the party's leadership records. Bala's faction is seeking to assert its authority within the party.
Despite celebrating the ruling, Bala said his faction was not interested in fighting the opposing camp. He urged Atiku, Mark, and other stakeholders to embrace reconciliation to strengthen the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Bala extended a hand of friendship to them, saying, "This is not a fight. Allah has given us victory, but we are not enemies."
Bala maintained that anyone seeking an elective or leadership position in the ADC must register at their respective wards, pay the prescribed membership dues, and satisfy the party's constitutional requirements. The party's constitution requires members to have at least two years of membership before becoming eligible for leadership positions. This move aims to ensure that party members adhere to established rules.
Bala accused the opposing faction of disregarding the party's membership registration procedures. He alleged that Mark obtained his membership card from a former national chairman in Abuja rather than registering at his ward. Bala claimed he had repeatedly warned the opposing camp about the consequences of violating the party's constitution but was ignored.
Bala dismissed allegations that he was being sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to destabilize the opposition. He insisted that his court action was solely aimed at protecting his rights and enforcing the ADC constitution. Bala emphasized that the large crowds attracted by the ADC during political engagements should not justify disregarding the party's established rules.
Key points
- Bala insists that party members must fulfill constitutional requirements to be eligible for leadership positions.
