A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Bala Gombe has issued a warning to Nigerians, party members, and the international community to disregard the purported new party headquarters inaugurated by a rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark. According to Gombe, this action is a blatant and illegal attempt to usurp the party’s leadership, which is built on democratic principles, integrity, and the rule of law.
The warning was issued in a statement released on Monday, in which Gombe stated that the Mark faction lacks any constitutional, moral, or legal authority to represent the party or speak on its behalf. The authentic National Working Committee (NWC) of the ADC, recognized by the party’s constitution and a majority of its organs, has distanced itself from the Mark faction, describing it as an illegitimate splinter group operating outside the established party structures.
The ADC’s NWC has emphasized that the building being paraded as the new national headquarters is not the official seat of the party and has no affiliation with the authentic ADC. This move is seen as a desperate, anti-democratic attempt to create confusion and mislead the public, violating the party’s constitution and the will of its membership.
Gombe has called on Nigerians, party supporters, and key institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the media, to recognize only the directives issued from the authentic ADC National Secretariat. The legitimate leadership of the ADC remains committed to providing a credible alternative for the Nigerian people and will not be deterred by the activities of a few individuals seeking to undermine the party’s progress.
The ADC is currently pursuing all legal and constitutional avenues to restore order and sanction the actions of the Mark faction. The party remains focused on its mission to rescue and rebuild Nigeria for the benefit of all citizens. As the situation unfolds, the ADC’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law is expected to guide its actions and decisions. With the 2023 general elections approaching, the outcome of this internal conflict may have significant implications for the party’s future and its role in Nigerian politics.
