A factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has reached out to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark and other party chiefs after a court ruling affirmed his faction’s claim to the party’s leadership.
Bala, speaking on BBC Hausa on Saturday, said the judgment vindicated his group as the ADC’s authentic leadership, saying its case rested on 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.
He said his faction was waiting for the Certified True Copy of the judgment before approaching the Independent National Electoral Commission to effect changes to the party’s leadership records.
But Bala stressed the ruling was not a chance to settle scores, saying he was ready to work with Atiku, Mark and other prominent politicians to strengthen the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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.
He insisted that anyone joining the ADC or seeking office on its platform must comply with the party’s constitution, especially on ward-level registration, membership dues and eligibility for leadership positions.
He said the constitution requires members to meet prescribed conditions, including two years of membership and payment of stipulated dues, before qualifying for leadership roles.
Bala accused the rival faction of flouting the party’s registration procedures, alleging that David Mark obtained his membership card from a former national chairman in Abuja rather than registering at his ward.
He said he had repeatedly warned the opposing group about the consequences of ignoring the party’s constitution, but his advice was disregarded.
He also rejected claims that he was being used to destabilise the opposition or was working for the ruling All Progressives Congress, saying his suit was only meant to protect his rights and 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 Atiku’s and Mark’s names still showing on INEC’s portal, Bala said the commission is law-abiding and would act rightly once it receives the certified true copy of the judgment.
He dismissed suggestions that INEC was deliberately delaying implementation, noting the commission may not have received the official court document.
Bala also rejected the argument that the large crowds the ADC drew at political events in Sokoto and Kebbi states should have made him drop the legal battle.
He said popularity and financial influence should not justify breaking the law, adding that Nigeria cannot progress if influential politicians keep violating established rules.
The ADC factional leader further claimed that some individuals in the dispute had circulated documents suggesting he had resigned, describing the claims as misleading.
On Atiku, Bala said he regards the former vice-president as a father figure and noted they hail from the same geopolitical zone.
He, however, expressed disappointment that Atiku had never personally reached out to him amid the controversy, while some party chieftains kept calling him a spoiler.
Bala said his faction had asked all aspirants seeking elective positions on the ADC platform to continue their campaigns, while urging the opposing camp to be patient, follow the party’s constitutional procedures and register properly at their wards.
On funding, he said his faction relies largely on membership dues and other contributions generated through the party’s internal activities.
He also defended his security arrangements and lifestyle, saying he is entitled to protection like other prominent political figures, adding that he is a businessman with other sources of livelihood.
Bala urged Nigerian youths to remain law-abiding and avoid being drawn into political confrontations, insisting that opposition politics should be conducted with respect for democratic institutions and the rule of law.
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