Former candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Gombe State have raised a serious alarm, accusing recent defectors from larger political parties of attempting to seize control of the party's structure and marginalize its original builders.
Founding Members Feel Betrayed After Building From Scratch
Speaking under the banner of the 'ADC 2023 State Assembly Candidates Forum', the aggrieved members addressed journalists in Gombe on 11 January 2026. The forum's chairman, Muhammad Saleh Katam, and secretary, Ibrahim Salisu Adams, led the presentation.
They recounted how they labored to establish the ADC's presence in the state at a time when it had little structure, limited visibility, and minimal recognition. The candidates stated they personally invested resources, walked through polling units, and engaged community leaders to give the party a foothold.
"We defended the party when it was often seen as politically insignificant," the forum stated, emphasizing that their foundational work should not be erased by newcomers seeking quick influence.
Growth Welcomed, But With Fairness and Order
The forum acknowledged and welcomed the ADC's remarkable growth, noting it is now seen as one of Nigeria's fastest-growing opposition parties and a coalition platform for Nigerians seeking solutions to pressing national issues.
"We welcome new entrants, coalition partners, youth groups, persons with disabilities, women groups, and all Nigerians who sincerely desire to contribute," they said.
However, they issued a strong caveat: growth must be guided by order, fairness, and respect for due process. They expressed deep concern that some recent joiners are attempting to undermine the 2023 candidates, hijack party structures, create division, and violate the party's constitution.
"Those who met the party rising must respect those who lifted it from the ground," was their pointed message.
A Call for Inclusion to Protect the Party's Foundation
The forum positioned themselves as the legitimate grassroots strength and historical builders of the ADC in Gombe State. They warned that any move to sideline them would weaken the very foundation of the party's current success.
While expressing openness to collaboration, they vowed not to accept exclusion, imposition, or actions that threaten party unity. They made a direct appeal to the national and state leadership of the ADC.
The candidates called for urgent steps to ensure inclusion, transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to the party constitution, particularly in the planning and conduct of upcoming party congresses. Their goal is to ensure the party's hard-earned growth is not jeopardized by internal strife and opportunism.
