ADC Crisis: Nafiu Bala Seeks Reconciliation With Atiku, David Mark After Court Victory

Nafiu Bala Gombe, a factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called for reconciliation with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark and other prominent party figures following a court judgment in the party’s leadership dispute.

Bala said the ruling had confirmed his faction’s claim to the party’s leadership, arguing that its position was consistent with the provisions of the ADC constitution.

He made the remarks on Saturday during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he reacted to the judgment and appealed to members of the opposing camp to put their differences aside.

“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 (CTC) of the judgment before submitting the necessary documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for an update of the party’s leadership records.

He, however, maintained that the court victory was not an invitation to hostility, saying he remained open to working with Atiku, David Mark and other political stakeholders to build a stronger opposition ahead of the 2027 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.

The ADC leader emphasised that the party’s constitution must guide its membership and leadership processes, insisting that anyone interested in joining the party or contesting elections on its platform must follow the prescribed procedures.

He explained that the requirements include registration at the ward level, payment of membership dues and fulfilment of the stipulated two-year membership period before an individual can qualify for certain leadership positions.

Bala accused the rival faction of failing to observe these procedures, claiming that David Mark collected his membership card from a former national chairman in Abuja instead of registering in his ward.

He said he had previously cautioned the opposing group about the implications of disregarding the party’s constitution, but his warnings were ignored.

Responding to allegations that he was working for the APC or had been recruited to weaken opposition politics, Bala denied the claims, saying his decision to approach the court was motivated by the need to protect his rights and defend 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 why Atiku and David Mark’s names remained on INEC’s portal despite the court judgment, Bala said the commission would take the appropriate steps once it received the certified copy of the ruling.

He defended INEC against accusations of deliberately refusing to implement the judgment, noting that the commission might still be waiting for the official court document.

The factional leader also dismissed suggestions that the large turnouts recorded by the ADC during political activities in Sokoto and Kebbi states should have made him reconsider his legal action.

According to him, neither political influence nor financial resources should place anyone above the law. He warned that the country would struggle to make progress if powerful politicians continued to disregard established procedures.

Bala further alleged that some parties to the dispute had circulated documents purporting to show that he had resigned from his position, describing the claims as deceptive.

On his personal relationship with Atiku, he said he considered the former vice-president a father figure, particularly because both men hail from the same geopolitical zone.

Nevertheless, he expressed disappointment that Atiku had not personally contacted him over the dispute, despite some ADC chieftains repeatedly describing him as a spoiler.

He said his faction had advised all aspirants seeking elective offices under the ADC platform to continue their campaign activities while calling on members of the rival camp to exercise patience and comply with the party’s registration requirements.

Speaking on the party’s finances, Bala said his faction’s activities were funded mainly through membership dues and other contributions from within the party.

He also defended his lifestyle and security arrangements, saying he had the same right to personal protection as other prominent political figures. He described himself as a businessman with additional sources of livelihood.

Bala urged Nigerian youths to shun political violence and remain law-abiding, stressing that political disagreements should not lead to confrontations. He maintained that opposition activities must respect democratic institutions and the rule of law.