ADC crisis: Gombe Seeks Truce With Atiku, Mark

A factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Gombe, has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark and other party leaders to reconcile and work together ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Gombe said he was willing to cooperate with the opposing faction to rebuild the party and strengthen the opposition, despite a recent court judgment which he described as a victory for his camp in the prolonged leadership dispute.

He made the appeal during an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Saturday while reacting to the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

On November 5, 2026, the court nullified the leadership structure of the David Mark-led caretaker committee following a suit filed by Gombe. The ruling also invalidated the processes that led to Atiku’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate.

Gombe described the judgment as an affirmation of his faction’s position, arguing that the court had upheld the ADC constitution and recognised his claim to the party’s leadership.

However, he cautioned members of his faction against using the ruling to victimise their political opponents, insisting that the decision should create an opportunity for reconciliation rather than deepen divisions.

He said both camps were not enemies and should put aside their differences to build a stronger opposition capable of challenging the ruling party.

Gombe, however, maintained that any reconciliation must be based on strict compliance with the party’s constitution, particularly its provisions on membership registration and eligibility for leadership and elective positions.

He explained that members seeking positions must register in their respective wards, pay the required membership dues and satisfy the stipulated conditions. He added that anyone aspiring to a leadership position must have been a party member for at least two years.

The factional leader accused the opposing camp of disregarding these requirements, alleging that Mark obtained his membership card from a former national chairman in Abuja instead of completing the registration process in his ward.

He said he had previously raised concerns about the alleged breaches but that his warnings were ignored.

Gombe also rejected allegations that he was being sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilise the ADC. He maintained that his decision to approach the court was based on his desire to defend his rights and ensure compliance with the party’s constitution.

He argued that the crowds attracted by the ADC at political events and the financial strength of its leaders should not take precedence over established party rules.

Speaking about his relationship with Atiku, Gombe described the former vice-president as a father figure but expressed disappointment that he had not personally contacted him despite their shared North-East background.

He disclosed that his faction had directed aspirants seeking elective positions under the ADC to continue their political activities. He also urged members of the opposing camp to remain patient and complete their membership registration in accordance with the party’s constitution.

On how his faction finances its activities, Gombe said it relied mainly on membership dues and contributions from supporters. He also defended his personal security arrangements and lifestyle.

He urged Nigerian youths to remain peaceful and avoid being drawn into political confrontations, insisting that the leadership dispute should be resolved through legal and constitutional channels.

The crisis has raised concerns about the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 elections and its ability to maintain a united opposition platform.

The dispute has also left the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) awaiting clarification on the court’s decision. The commission had earlier said it would not take a position until it obtained and examined the certified true copy of the judgment.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the commission would study the ruling before deciding on its next steps.

Meanwhile, the David Mark-led National Working Committee has challenged the judgment, raising the possibility of further legal proceedings over the party’s leadership.