Factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has expressed willingness to reconcile with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark and other party leaders following a court judgment affirming his faction’s position in the party’s leadership dispute.
Bala said he was ready to work with the opposing faction to strengthen the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that the court ruling should not be used to settle political differences.
He made the remarks during an interview with BBC Hausa on Saturday while reacting to the Federal High Court judgment, which he said had confirmed his faction as the legitimate leadership of the party.
According to him, the judgment validated his position that the leadership transition which produced the Mark-led faction did not comply with the provisions of the ADC constitution.
Expressing satisfaction with the ruling, Bala said the court had recognised the merits of his faction’s case and restored the party’s leadership to them.
He disclosed that his faction was waiting to obtain the Certified True Copy of the judgment before approaching the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to update the party’s leadership records.
However, he appealed to members of the opposing faction to embrace reconciliation, insisting that the dispute should not stop opposition politicians from working together against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bala maintained that the two factions were not enemies, adding that his side was extending a hand of friendship despite the court victory. He urged the opposing camp to put aside arrogance and other differences to build a stronger opposition.
The ADC factional leader further insisted that anyone seeking to join the party or contest an elective position on its platform must follow the provisions of its constitution, particularly those concerning ward registration, payment of membership dues and eligibility for leadership positions.
He explained that the party’s constitution requires members to have at least two years of membership and fulfil their financial obligations before becoming eligible for leadership positions.
Bala accused the opposing faction of ignoring the party’s registration procedures, alleging that Mark obtained his membership card from a former national chairman in Abuja rather than registering at his ward.
He said he had repeatedly cautioned the opposing group about the consequences of violating the party’s constitution, but his warnings were disregarded.
He also denied allegations that he was working with the APC to weaken the opposition, explaining that his decision to approach the court was solely aimed at defending his rights and ensuring compliance with the party’s constitution.
According to him, he relied on the party’s constitution in pursuing the case and maintained that the opposing faction would have been entitled to victory if it had followed the proper procedures.
On the continued appearance of Atiku and Mark’s names on INEC’s portal, Bala said the commission would take the necessary action after receiving the certified copy of the judgment.
He dismissed claims that INEC was deliberately delaying compliance, noting that the commission might not have received the official court document.
Bala also rejected suggestions that the large crowds attracted by the ADC during political activities in Sokoto and Kebbi states should have influenced him to withdraw the court case.
He argued that political popularity and financial strength did not justify breaking the law, warning that Nigeria could not develop if influential politicians continued to disregard established rules.
Speaking about his relationship with Atiku, Bala described the former vice-president as a father figure, noting that they both came from the same geopolitical zone.
However, he expressed disappointment that Atiku had not personally contacted him despite the leadership crisis, adding that some party leaders had continued to portray him as someone working against the party.
Bala further revealed that his faction had instructed all aspirants seeking elective positions on the ADC platform to continue their campaign activities despite the ongoing leadership dispute.
He urged members of the opposing faction to remain patient, fulfil the party’s constitutional requirements and complete their registration at their respective wards.
On the issue of party funding, Bala said his faction depended mainly on membership dues and other contributions generated through its internal activities.
He also appealed to Nigerian youths to remain law-abiding and avoid being drawn into political confrontations, emphasising that opposition politics should respect democratic institutions and the rule of law.
