ADC crisis: Atiku hasn’t contacted me despite coming from same zone — Nafiu Bala

A factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has expressed disappointment that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has not personally contacted him amid the party’s leadership crisis, despite both politicians coming from the same geopolitical zone.

Bala, who spoke in an interview with BBC Hausa on Saturday, said he regarded Atiku as a father figure but expected him to reach out over the dispute rocking the opposition party.

He, however, said he remained willing to work with Atiku, former Senate President David Mark and other party leaders to strengthen the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The factional leader spoke while reacting to a court judgment which he said vindicated his position as the authentic leader of the party.

“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.

Bala disclosed that his faction was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment to approach the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the necessary changes to the party’s leadership records.

He cautioned members against interpreting the judgment as an opportunity to settle scores with the opposing faction, insisting that he was extending a hand of friendship to them.

“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.

Bala maintained that anyone seeking to join the ADC or contest an elective position on its platform must comply with the party’s constitution, particularly its provisions on membership registration, payment of dues and eligibility for leadership positions.

He said members must fulfil stipulated conditions, including two years of membership and payment of prescribed dues, before qualifying for leadership positions.

The factional leader also alleged that the opposing group failed to follow the party’s membership registration procedures, claiming that David Mark obtained his membership card from a former national chairman in Abuja instead of registering at his ward.

He said he had repeatedly warned the opposing faction about the consequences of disregarding the party’s constitution, but his advice was ignored.

Bala also dismissed allegations that he was being used by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilise the opposition, insisting that his court action was aimed at protecting his rights and enforcing the ADC 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 the continued appearance of Atiku’s and David Mark’s names on INEC’s portal, Bala said the commission would take appropriate action once it received the Certified True Copy of the judgment.

He rejected suggestions that INEC was deliberately delaying the implementation of the judgment, saying the commission might not have received the official court document.

The factional leader also dismissed arguments that the large crowds attracted by the ADC during political engagements in Sokoto and Kebbi states should have persuaded him to abandon the legal battle.

He argued that political popularity and financial influence should not justify violations of the law, warning that the country could not make progress if influential politicians continued to disregard established rules.

Bala further alleged that some individuals involved in the dispute had circulated documents suggesting that he had resigned from his position, describing the claims as misleading.

On preparations for the 2027 general elections, he said his faction had directed all aspirants seeking elective positions on the ADC platform to continue their campaign activities.

He urged members of the opposing faction to remain patient, comply with the party’s constitutional provisions and complete their membership registration at their respective wards.

On funding, Bala said his faction relied largely on membership dues and other contributions generated through the party’s internal activities.

He also defended his security arrangements and lifestyle, saying he was entitled to protection like other prominent political figures. He added that he was a businessman with other sources of livelihood.

The factional leader urged Nigerian youths to remain law-abiding and avoid being drawn into political confrontations, stressing that opposition politics should respect democratic institutions and the rule of law.