2027 Elections: Nafiu Bala Extends Olive Branch to Atiku, David Mark, Sets Conditions for ADC Reconciliation

A factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has declared his willingness to reconcile with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark and other prominent party figures, despite the lingering leadership crisis threatening the opposition party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Bala, however, made it clear that reconciliation must be based on strict adherence to the party’s constitution, insisting that political influence, financial strength or popularity would not exempt any member from complying with established membership and leadership requirements.

He made the position known during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Saturday, November 14, while reacting to the November 5 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the David Mark-led caretaker leadership structure of the party.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, followed a suit instituted by Bala, who challenged the procedure through which the caretaker committee emerged. The court also set aside the processes leading to Atiku’s emergence as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

Reacting to the ruling, Bala described the outcome as a victory for his faction, maintaining that the court had vindicated his position on the leadership dispute. He disclosed that his camp was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before approaching the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to seek the necessary changes to the party’s leadership records.

Despite celebrating the legal victory, Bala insisted that his intention was not to wage a personal battle against the opposing faction. He extended an invitation to Atiku, Mark and other party stakeholders to embrace reconciliation, stressing that their differences should not undermine the collective objective of building a formidable opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

“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,” Bala said.

The factional leader maintained that anyone aspiring to occupy an elective or leadership position in the ADC must first register at their respective ward, pay the prescribed membership dues and satisfy the eligibility provisions contained in the party’s constitution. He specifically cited a two-year membership requirement for individuals seeking leadership positions within the party.

Bala also accused the opposing faction of disregarding the party’s established membership registration procedures, alleging that Mark obtained his membership card from a former national chairman in Abuja rather than completing the registration process at his ward. He claimed to have repeatedly warned the opposing camp about the consequences of violating the party’s constitution, but said his concerns were ignored.

Meanwhile, Bala dismissed allegations that he was being sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilise the ADC and weaken the opposition ahead of the next general elections. He maintained that his decision to approach the court was driven by his determination to defend his rights and enforce compliance with the party’s constitution, rather than serve the interests of any rival political organisation. He also directed aspirants seeking elective positions on his faction’s ADC platform to continue their campaign activities while urging members of the opposing camp to exercise patience and regularise their membership.

The ADC leadership dispute continues to generate uncertainty over the party’s organisational structure and its readiness for the 2027 elections. Bala has appealed to Nigerian youths and party supporters to avoid political confrontations, insisting that disagreements should be resolved through lawful and constitutional channels. He also disclosed that his faction’s activities were largely financed through membership dues and contributions, maintaining that political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into violence.