ADC Leadership Crisis Escalates as Bala and Abejide Reject Expulsion
The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) intensified on Friday, with the faction led by National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe and House of Representatives member Leke Abejide firmly rejecting their reported expulsion. They denounced the move as illegal and the result of a hijacked party structure, dismissing claims of external sponsorship as propaganda.
Legal Challenges and Allegations of Illegitimacy
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Bala asserted that those who announced the expulsion lacked legal standing, arguing they were not recognized members of the ADC. "Our suspension is nullity. These individuals are not even members of our party, so they lack the locus to take such decisions. We will fight it to the last point," he declared. He ruled out any negotiation with the rival bloc, stating there was no agreement with the coalition-backed faction.
The crisis stems from a convention held in Abuja on April 14 by a faction aligned with former Senate President David Mark, where expulsions over alleged anti-party activities were announced. However, the Bala-led leadership dismissed this as unlawful, citing violations of court orders and lack of recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Bala warned that actions defying a Court of Appeal judgment from March 12, 2026, could be voided by courts.
Accusations of Forgery and Destabilization
Bala alleged that the matter had transcended internal party disagreements, with forged documents bearing his signature emerging to legitimize the rival group's actions. Abejide, representing Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State, described the expulsion as laughable, accusing the opposing faction of attempting to destabilize the party. "These are people who came to destroy this party. They have no stake here and cannot dictate the future of ADC," he said.
Abejide warned that the lingering crisis could jeopardize the ADC's electoral prospects if not resolved urgently. He highlighted his long-standing commitment to the party since 2017, contrasting it with coalition leaders who have switched between multiple parties. "My so-called suspension and that of Nafiu Bala Gombe is in contempt of the orders of both the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court," he stated, noting he had briefed lawyers on possible litigation.
Potential Consequences and Political Fallout
Abejide cautioned that his camp might walk away if pushed to the brink, emphasizing that candidates on the ADC platform risked their political careers. He questioned the credibility of coalition figures, alleging a history of party-hopping, and warned that the crisis could prevent the ADC from fielding candidates in future elections. "If at the end of these shenanigans ADC cannot field candidates, then the coalition people should be blamed for the failure," he added.
The deepening rift underscores broader challenges within Nigerian political parties, with legal battles and factional disputes threatening stability. As both sides dig in, the ADC's future hangs in the balance, with potential implications for upcoming electoral processes and party cohesion.
