Factional leader of the African Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala-Gombe, has called for reconciliation with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark and other party leaders following a court judgment that nullified their leadership structure.
Gombe said he was willing to work with rival faction, stressing that a court victory should not be allowed to divide the party.
He made the appeal following the legal battle over the ADC leadership, which has deepened divisions within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The factional leader expressed hope that the disagreement could be resolved through dialogue, adding that he remained open to working with Atiku, Mark and other party stakeholders.
Bala-Gombe stated this during an interview with BBC Hausa on Saturday while reacting to the Federal High Court judgment, which he said had vindicated his faction as the authentic leadership of the party.
He said the ruling affirmed his position that leadership transition which produced the Mark-led faction was inconsistent with the provisions of the party.
Bala-Gombe disclosed that his faction was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before approaching the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to effect the necessary changes to the party’s leadership records.
He, however urged members of the opposing faction to embrace reconciliation, saying the dispute should not prevent opposition politicians from working together against the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
“This is not a fight. Allah has given us victory, but we are not enemies. We are extending a hand of friendship to them to stop being arrogant and whatever they may say so that we can strengthen the opposition and face the government”, he said.
The factional leader insisted that anyone seeking to join the ADC or contest elective positions on its platform must comply with the party’s constitutional provisions, particularly those relating to ward registration, payment of membership dues and eligibility of leadership positions.
According to him, the party constitution requires members to have at least two years of membership and fulfil their financial obligations before qualifying for leadership positions.
The development comes amid growing uncertainty over the ADC’s leadership and its preparations for the 2027 elections.
-9News Nigeria.
