The Nafiu Bala Gombe-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect the status quo and allow him to lead the party in line with its constitution.
The appeal comes after INEC’s controversial decision on April 1, 2026, which denied Gombe’s lawyers’ request to grant him control of party affairs pending the resolution of the substantive case before the trial court.
In a statement, Gombe highlighted an order of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, directing INEC to refrain from taking any action that could undermine ongoing court proceedings.
“We call on INEC to respect the status quo as it stood on September 2, 2025, to adhere strictly to the ADC constitution, and to comply fully with the court order by allowing Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe to take over the leadership of the party,” Gombe said.
He welcomed INEC’s refusal to recognise the faction led by Senator David Mark, while reiterating his commitment to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
“This is about upholding the constitution and the rule of law. We remain committed to a better Nigeria and a fully democratic dispensation,” he added.
The call underscores the ongoing leadership tussle within ADC, which has drawn national attention as the party positions itself ahead of the 2027 elections.
