ADC Crisis: Gombe Faction Disowns Mark’s New Headquarters

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Bala Gombe has warned Nigerians, party members and the international community to disregard the purported new party headquarters inaugurated by a rival faction headed by former Senate President David Mark. Gombe described the inauguration as a blatant and illegal attempt to usurp the party’s leadership, which is founded on democratic principles, integrity and the rule of law.

In a statement released on Monday, Gombe asserted that the Mark faction lacks any constitutional, moral or legal authority to represent the ADC or speak on its behalf. The authentic National Working Committee (NWC) of the ADC, recognised by the party’s constitution and a majority of its organs, has distanced itself from the Mark faction, labeling it an illegitimate splinter group operating outside established party structures.

The ADC’s NWC emphasized that the building being presented as the new national headquarters is not the official seat of the party and has no affiliation with the genuine ADC. It characterized the move 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 called on Nigerians, party supporters and key institutions—including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the media—to recognise only the directives issued from the authentic ADC National Secretariat. He affirmed that the legitimate leadership remains committed to providing a credible alternative for the Nigerian people and will not be deterred by the actions of a few individuals seeking to undermine the party’s progress.

The ADC is pursuing all legal and constitutional avenues to restore order and sanction the actions of the Mark faction, while staying focused on its mission to rescue and rebuild Nigeria for the benefit of all citizens. As the situation unfolds, the party’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 ADC’s future and its role in Nigerian politics.