The fractional Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has directed candidates nominated under his leadership to resume their campaigns following a court judgment nullifying the leadership of the David Mark-led faction.
Bala, who spoke to LEADERSHIP after the judgment, also ruled out immediate reconciliation with the opposing camp ahead of the forthcoming 2027 elections.
Nafiu directed governorship and other candidates nominated by his leadership to continue their campaigns, declaring them the legitimate candidates of the ADC.
“I am issuing a directive to all our candidates: wherever you are, if we nominated you, continue your campaign. You are the legitimate candidate,” he said.
Nafiu said his faction would immediately resume political activities, insisting that the court had affirmed his position as the party’s legitimate national chairman.
He added that his faction would resume its campaign activities with Professor Chris Uba and other candidates, expressing confidence that the party would overcome the leadership crisis.
Nafiu Bala said there was little room for immediate reconciliation with the David Mark-led faction, arguing that the opposing camp must first comply with the party’s membership requirements.
“The court had declared members of the rival faction non-members of the ADC, they must formally register in their respective wards before seeking to participate in the party’s affairs.
“I call on Atiku Abubakar and David Mark to go to their respective wards, register officially as members of the ADC, and join us so that we can work together for the success of the ADC.”
“How can you reconcile with someone who has not joined your party? Let them go and understand the rules and procedures, then officially join our party,” he added.
Nafiu, however, urged members of the opposing camp to support candidates nominated by his leadership, suggesting that any further engagement could be considered after the elections.
“Those who want to contest have missed the opportunity. The time for primaries and nomination of candidates has passed. But they can support our candidates so that we can achieve victory.”
The factional party chairman also dismissed the possibility of another appeal against the judgment, describing any further legal challenge as an academic exercise.
He said the dispute had already passed through the judicial process, including proceedings at the Supreme Court, and maintained that his faction would not suspend its political activities over any fresh legal action by the opposing camp.
“If they want to go and waste their time and energy, that is their business. We will continue with our activities,” he said.
He described as inappropriate statements and threats allegedly made by members of the opposing faction following the judgment, accusing them of prolonging the crisis through repeated appeals and attempts to frustrate the legal process.
Uzoamaka Ikezue, a Lagos-based award-winning journalist is a senior staff writer with the West African Pilot News (WAP).WAP is a political, community, and business-focused, English-language international news site based in Houston, Texas, United States.
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