Senator Ishaku Abbo Unveils Internal Strife and External Meddling in ADC Crisis
Senator Ishaku Abbo, representing Adamawa North, has provided a comprehensive account of the escalating crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), linking it directly to internal betrayal, factional disagreements, and significant external interference as Nigeria approaches the pivotal 2027 general elections. In a detailed statement released on his Facebook page on Saturday, April 5, 2026, Abbo outlined the sequence of events that have plunged the party into turmoil, jeopardizing its electoral ambitions.
Resignation Sparks Chain of Betrayal and Disagreements
According to Abbo, the crisis originated following the resignation of Nafiu Bala Gombe, which was intended to facilitate the takeover by the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC). However, this move quickly devolved into a scenario of broken promises and perceived insults. Abbo revealed that Gombe was initially promised the position of National Vice Chairman for the Northeast region, a role considered inferior to his previous post as Deputy National Chairman. The new leadership, led by David Mark, allegedly reneged on this agreement, instead installing Babachir David Lawal in the position that had been earmarked for Gombe during negotiations under the previous Nwosu-led NWC.
Abbo quoted Lawal as dismissively questioning, "How can Nafiu Bala, a small boy, become a National Vice Chairman in a zone that has the former Vice President and former SGF?" This remark, perceived as deeply belittling, led to Gombe being offered the lesser role of Zonal Financial Secretary, which he outright rejected. Abbo stated, "At this point, he started plotting how to bring the whole roof down," indicating that Gombe's feelings of insult fueled retaliatory actions.
External Interference and Alleged INEC Manipulation
The crisis intensified with external involvement, as Abbo accused Gombe and a retired DSS staff member from Adamawa state of reaching out to allies in Aso Villa to collaborate in undermining the ADC. More critically, Abbo pointed to a very powerful minister from the South-South region, who, with support from others, allegedly engineered the current offensive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against the party. This external interference, according to Abbo, represents a deliberate attempt to destabilize the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abbo issued a stern warning to INEC, urging the commission to rescind what he termed their 'APC Agenda', or risk having its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, become "worse than Maurice Iwu." He called on Gombe to withdraw his case from court and contribute positively to the party's future, emphasizing that he has already made his point clear.
ADC Defiance and Broader Political Implications
Despite INEC's warnings against violating court orders with its congresses and convention, the ADC has announced plans to proceed with its scheduled convention, asserting that its right to organize is constitutionally guaranteed. The party has criticized Professor Amupitan's interpretation of the situation, highlighting a growing standoff between the electoral body and the opposition party.
In response to these challenges, opposition leaders within the ADC are reportedly exploring contingency plans, including potential alliances with alternative parties such as the Action Peoples Party (APP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Emergency consultations have been planned to strategize against perceived political traps and safeguard electoral ambitions, underscoring the high stakes involved as the 2027 elections draw nearer.
This unfolding crisis not only threatens the cohesion of the ADC but also raises broader questions about political integrity, external influence in party affairs, and the preparedness of Nigeria's electoral framework for the upcoming democratic contest.
