A fresh dimension has emerged in the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following remarks by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who accused party member Nafiu Gombe of worsening the dispute through actions he described as uncooperative
Abdullahi made the comments during an interview on Arise News, where he discussed the internal disagreements that have recently unsettled the opposition party. According to him, efforts were previously made by party leaders to address the issue through dialogue and internal mechanisms, but those attempts did not produce a resolution.
He alleged that Gombe has continued to challenge the party leadership despite attempts to reconcile differences, describing his conduct as deliberate and resistant to compromise. Abdullahi suggested that the situation may involve influences beyond the immediate internal dispute within the party.
“He is determined to be recalcitrant; we know he cannot afford to hire a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,” Abdullahi said, implying that the legal action being pursued may be supported by external interests.
The controversy comes amid recent developments involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which reportedly suspended recognition of the party’s leadership due to conflicting claims and ongoing litigation over who legitimately controls the party structure.
The decision has generated concern among party members, as the uncertainty surrounding the leadership could affect the ADC’s administrative operations and its readiness for future electoral activities.
Abdullahi argued that the dispute should not be viewed merely as an internal disagreement but as a challenge that may have been intensified by outside forces seeking to exploit divisions within the opposition. He maintained that despite the crisis, the party remains committed to resolving the matter through lawful processes.
He also emphasized that the ADC leadership would continue engaging with relevant institutions and legal channels to clarify the leadership structure and ensure that the party remains active within Nigeria’s political landscape.
The unfolding dispute highlights the growing tensions within some political parties as they prepare for future electoral contests and attempt to maintain organizational stability.
