Leadership dispute hits ADC as faction petitions US over party takeover

A new crisis has emerged in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe approached the United States embassy in Abuja with concerns about a takeover attempt within the party.

The group claims that certain members attempted to assume leadership without following the party’s constitution or proper procedures.

The dispute arose following the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu, and several members of the National Working Committee. Gombe, who remains the only deputy chairman not to resign, argues that he is constitutionally entitled to lead the party but has been blocked by others seeking power.

The faction filed a formal complaint, urging the US to intervene and consider measures such as visa restrictions against individuals involved in the alleged unconstitutional takeover. They claim these actions aim to safeguard democratic processes within the party and ensure that internal rules are respected.

The petition stresses that the matter is meant to protect the principles of democracy and lawful governance in Nigeria. The faction indicated that it has also pursued legal channels domestically to assert its leadership rights but alleges that opponents have used propaganda to undermine their position.

The ADC faction clarified that it has no ties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or his party, the All Progressives Congress, distancing the dispute from national politics. The petition seeks international attention to deter what the group describes as undemocratic practices within the party and to reinforce adherence to Nigeria’s legal frameworks.

The ADC leadership crisis adds to a series of internal challenges for the party as it prepares for upcoming political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The faction hopes that the US intervention will serve as a signal against attempts to bypass party rules and constitutional procedures in Nigeria.