A leadership dispute within Nigeria’s African Democratic Congress (ADC) has escalated to the international stage, as a faction of the party has formally petitioned the United States Embassy in Abuja, urging sanctions against individuals it accuses of an unconstitutional takeover.
The petition, filed by a faction led by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, requests visa restrictions and other penalties against unspecified politicians attempting to seize control of the ADC. Gombe asserts he is the legitimate national chairman, a position he claims was conferred by the party’s constitution following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Okey Nwosu and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
According to the complaint, Gombe, who identifies himself as the “Authentic National Chairman,” remained the sole deputy national chairman who did not resign. He argues that constitutional succession protocols therefore automatically elevated him to the national chairmanship. The faction alleges that external political actors are obstructing this “rightful” leadership transition through undemocratic means.
The petition states that while the faction has pursued legal recourse in Nigerian courts, its opponents have engaged in propaganda, falsely suggesting the faction is backed by President Bola Tinubu and his All Progressives Congress (APC). Gombe’s filing explicitly denies any connection to the president or the APC, seeking to distance his faction from the ruling party.
Citing the ADC’s internal constitutional breach, the faction asks the U.S. Embassy to recognize what it describes as anti-democratic practices within the party. The request specifically calls for the denial of diplomatic privileges or visas to those involved in the alleged takeover, framing such measures as a necessary stance by the international community to uphold constitutional procedures and internal party democracy in Nigeria.
The ADC, a registered political party that has contested presidential and parliamentary elections, now faces a public rift that highlights persistent challenges with internal governance among opposition groups. The faction’s appeal to a foreign embassy underscores the depth of the mistrust and the perceived failure of domestic institutions to resolve the dispute.
The petition concludes by urging swift U.S. action, arguing that addressing this internal party crisis is vital for the broader health of Nigeria’s democratic development. The U.S. Embassy has not publicly commented on the submission. The outcome of both the legal battle in Nigerian courts and this diplomatic appeal could significantly influence the ADC’s structure and its role in the country’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
