The internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has escalated, with a faction of the party led by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe ordering the immediate suspension of the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of ongoing legal proceedings.
The directive, issued after a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, underscores growing divisions within the party as it prepares for upcoming electoral activities.
In a communiqué signed by the faction’s BoT Secretary, Rufus Akanmi, the group said the suspension would remain in place pending the outcome of a case currently before the Federal High Court.
“All parties concerned are directed to immediately suspend the sale and purchase of such forms pending the final determination of the matter,” the statement read.
The faction warned that any aspirant who proceeds to purchase the forms despite the directive would be doing so at their own risk, stressing that the party would not be liable for any consequences arising from such actions.
The development signals a deepening power struggle within the ADC, with competing leadership claims and parallel structures emerging in recent weeks.
The Gombe-led faction also used the opportunity to call for unity among party stakeholders, urging members of the coalition bloc and those aligned with other leaders, including former Senate President David Mark, to work together in the interest of the party.
According to the communiqué, internal cohesion is critical to ensuring the ADC’s effective participation in future elections and the emergence of credible candidates across all levels.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to what it described as the party’s core values of equity, fairness, transparency and justice under the leadership of Gombe.
As part of its resolutions, the faction directed the National Working Committee to constitute caretaker committees in states where party executives’ tenures have expired, in a bid to maintain administrative continuity at the grassroots.
It also called for the immediate commencement of processes to convene a mini national convention to fill vacant positions in the party’s leadership following recent resignations.
In addition, the faction acknowledged the Supreme Court’s April 30, 2026 judgment, describing it as a significant affirmation of constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
The latest move comes amid ongoing tensions over the control and direction of the party, raising fresh concerns about the ADC’s cohesion as political activities ahead of the next general elections begin to gather momentum.
