The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has directed candidates nominated under his faction to resume political activities. His order follows a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja that nullified the leadership structure led by former Senate President David Mark.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP shortly after the judgment was delivered, Bala declared his camp’s position as the legitimate executive body of the party and ruled out immediate reconciliation with the opposing faction ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections.
He instructed all governorship and legislative flagbearers produced under his leadership to return to the field immediately, describing them as the only recognized candidates of the ADC.
“I am issuing a directive to all our candidates: wherever you are, if we nominated you, continue your campaign. You are the legitimate candidate,” Bala stated.
He added that his faction would press ahead with campaign activities alongside candidates under his fold, expressing optimism that the party would put the protracted internal crisis behind it.
Addressing the prospect of peace talks with the David Mark-led group, Bala insisted there was no immediate basis for reconciliation, maintaining that members of the rival camp must first fulfill basic membership requirements under the ADC constitution.
According to him, the court’s ruling affirmed that members of the opposing faction were non-members of the party, making it imperative for them to formally register at their ward levels before seeking participation in internal party affairs.
“I call on Atiku Abubakar and David Mark to go to their respective wards, register officially as members of the ADC, and join us so that we can work together for the success of the party,” he said. “How can you reconcile with someone who has not joined your party? Let them go and understand the rules and procedures, then officially join our party.”
Bala, however, urged members of the aggrieved camp to rally around candidates cleared by his leadership, noting that any broader political engagement could only be considered after the elections.
“Those who wanted to contest have missed the opportunity,” he added. “The time for primaries and nomination of candidates has passed. But they can support our candidates so that we can achieve victory together.”
The ADC factional leader also dismissed potential appeals by the opposing group, labeling further legal challenges an “academic exercise.” He noted that the dispute had already been tested through various stages of the judicial process and declared that his faction would not suspend its campaign schedule over fresh litigation.
“If they want to waste their time and energy, that is their business. We will continue with our activities,” Bala said.
He further condemned what he described as provocative statements and threats issued by rival party figures following the ruling, accusing them of attempting to frustrate the judicial process and prolong the crisis through relentless litigation.
