African democratic congress factional leader calls for unity ahead of 2027
A factional leader of the African Democratic Congress, Nafiu Gombe, has called for reconciliation with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark and other party chieftains to build a united opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gombe’s appeal follows a Federal High Court judgment delivered on November 5, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja, which nullified the leadership structure of the David Mark-led caretaker committee and invalidated the processes that led to Atiku emerging as the party’s presidential candidate. Gombe had filed the suit challenging the committee’s formation.
Reacting to the ruling in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Gombe described the outcome as a vindication of his faction’s position. “Alhamdulillah. As we always say, truth is truth, while lies remain lies. Allah has vindicated us. The court has seen the merit of our case and our truthfulness and has decided to return the party leadership to us,” he said.
Despite the legal victory, Gombe urged members of the opposing faction to embrace dialogue rather than deepen divisions. He insisted, however, that reconciliation must be grounded in strict adherence to the party’s constitution, particularly regarding proper ward-level registration and membership requirements for leadership positions.
Gombe accused the opposing camp of bypassing constitutional procedures, alleging that Mark obtained his membership card in Abuja rather than through his local ward. He also dismissed claims that his legal challenge was sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress, maintaining that his actions were intended solely to defend the party constitution.
The leadership dispute has created uncertainty over the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 polls and placed the Independent National Electoral Commission in a difficult position. Mohammed Haruna, INEC national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, stated that the electoral body would study the certified true copy of the judgment before determining its next steps.
Meanwhile, the David Mark-led National Working Committee has appealed against the judgment, setting the stage for further legal battles over the party’s control as the general elections approach.