“We Are the Real Leaders” – ADC Faction Petitions US Over Alleged Party Hijack

A fresh leadership crisis has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as a faction of the party has taken its battle beyond Nigeria’s borders.

The group has formally written to the United States Embassy in Abuja, accusing certain individuals of attempting to hijack the party structure and subvert its internal democratic process.

The faction, led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, insists it represents the legitimate leadership of the party.

In its petition, the group called on the US government to take note of the situation and consider sanctions, including visa restrictions, against those allegedly involved in what it described as an unconstitutional takeover.

In a detailed complaint addressed to the embassy, Gombe maintained that due process was ignored by some actors within the party. He argued that established constitutional procedures were bypassed following recent leadership changes.

Gombe stated that the crisis began after the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu, alongside members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

According to him, the development created a vacuum that should have been filled in line with the party’s constitution.

He stated in the petition, “I am writing to you in my capacity as the Authentic National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC. I want to highlight a serious issue within our party that we think is putting the democratic process and the rule of law in Nigeria at risk.

“As a symbol of democracy and a guardian of constitutional processes around the world, we are asking the Embassy to recognize the situation and take action against the undemocratic takeover of our party.

“Our complaint stems from the evident breach of the ADC Constitution due to the voluntary resignations of our former National Chairman, Mr. Ralph Okey Nwosu and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

“When the National Chairman position becomes empty, the Deputy National Chairman must take over to keep things running smoothly. Following the resignations, I, Hon. Nafiu Bala, remained the sole and only National Deputy Chairman who did not resign. So, by law and following the proper steps, it was my duty as a leader to take charge of the party’s matters.

“Therefore, by constitutional right and due process, the mantle of leadership fell on me to steer the affairs of the party.

“However, our rightful journey toward leadership has been blocked by outside political forces, including power seekers from different political parties.

“These people are trying to take control of the ADC and become leaders without following our party’s rules or proper procedures. We have taken our case to court to fight for justice and show that we are following our party’s rules, but our opponents have used propaganda instead.

“They are falsely claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is supporting and using the courts to suppress their ambitions. To be clear and to make sure there’s no confusion, we want to say directly that we have no connection, relationship, or link with President Tinubu or his political party, the All Progressives Congress.”

The faction stressed that its move was aimed at drawing international attention to what it described as growing anti-democratic tendencies within the party. It warned that failure to address the situation could set a dangerous precedent for internal party governance in Nigeria.

Gombe further urged the United States to act decisively if those accused of breaching the party’s constitution succeed in taking control. He framed the request as part of a broader effort to defend democratic values and uphold the rule of law.

He added, “We respectfully request that should these undemocratic elements succeed in seizing our party leadership through unconstitutional means, the United States should consider imposing sanctions against them.

“We specifically ask for the removal or rejection of any special rights, like visas or diplomatic treatment, that are usually given to real democrats and democratic leaders.

“Such actions would show clearly that the international community will not accept undermining the party’s internal democracy and the country’s constitutional procedures.

“We appreciate your ongoing support in encouraging and nurturing younger democracies to establish good governance worldwide. We hope you will take our appeal seriously and act quickly, as it is important for fairness and the future of democracy in Nigeria.”