ADC faction dismisses report of flopped convention, blames mischief makers

The factional national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, has dismissed reports alleging that a national convention organised by his group collapsed due to low turnout.

Gombe said the reports circulating in sections of the media were the handiwork of “mischief makers” seeking to discredit him and undermine the integrity of his faction of the party.

“I was surprised to learn of this development, as I only became aware of it through social media. 

"I have already made my position clear, our schedule of activities will commence only after we obtain judgment from the Federal High Court and the Supreme Court,” he said.

He added that it would be impossible for the faction to proceed with a national convention without formal notification to members and the public.

“It would be impossible for us to organize our National Convention without duly notifying the public and certainly our members,” Gombe explained.

The clarification comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis in the ADC, which has divided the party into rival factions.

It would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew recognition of all factions of the party pending the resolution of the dispute in court, following a status quo ante bellum order by the judiciary.

Ironically, the David Mark-led faction of the party held its own convention last week, during which it ratified the expulsion of Gombe, Hon. Leke Abejide and other members aligned with the National Executive Committee (NEC) led by Hon. Temitope Ogah over alleged anti-party activities.

The latest exchange highlights the deepening crisis within the opposition party, with rival structures continuing to assert their legitimacy while awaiting a final judicial determination.

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Gombe's clarification followed reports circulating online alleging that a national convention organised by his faction of the party in Abuja failed due to empty attendance, has been described as unverified and misleading.

The claims, which suggested that the event scheduled at the National Stadium did not take place and that the venue was deserted, were based on unconfirmed online reports and alleged live commentary from a television crew.

According to the circulating narrative, there were no delegates, members, or preparations at the venue at the supposed time of commencement, with claims that facilities within the stadium complex were also locked.

However, the report remains unsubstantiated, with no official confirmation from the party or independent verification of the alleged event or its cancellation.

The development comes amid ongoing leadership disputes within the ADC, where rival factions continue to trade claims over legitimacy following court involvement and regulatory uncertainty surrounding the party’s status.