A faction of the African Democratic Congress, ADC led by Nafiu Bala Gombe has petitioned the United States seeking sanctions, including visa restrictions, on individuals accused of undermining the party’s internal democratic processes.
Gombe, who claims to be the authentic National Chairman of the ADC, alleged in his petition that certain politicians violated the party’s constitution in a bid to seize control of its leadership.
According to him, the crisis followed the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Okey Nwosu alongside members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
He argued that by constitutional provision, the Deputy National Chairman is mandated to assume leadership in such circumstances, noting that he was the only deputy who did not resign and therefore lawfully succeeded to the position.
Gombe, however, accused “external political forces” and rival actors of frustrating what he described as a legitimate transition, alleging attempts to impose leadership outside the party’s laid-down procedures.
He further revealed that the matter is already before the court, while accusing opposing factions of resorting to propaganda to discredit his claim.
The ADC chieftain also dismissed allegations linking his faction to Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that neither he nor his group has any affiliation with the President or the party.
He maintained that the petition to the United States was aimed at safeguarding democratic principles within the ADC and Nigeria at large.
Gombe called on the international community to take decisive action against what he termed “anti-democratic elements,” warning that failure to do so could embolden unconstitutional practices within political parties.
The development marks a new twist in the ADC’s internal crisis, raising concerns over party stability and the broader implications for democratic governance in Nigeria
