ABUJA — The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken an explosive turn following reports that Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe has allegedly gone into hiding. The disappearance follows a wave of “impeccable” intel suggesting Gombe received ₦2 billion from senior officials within the Tinubu administration to destabilize the primary opposition party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The embattled factional leader, who has been locked in a bitter struggle with the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee, is accused of acting as a “political jobber” for the ruling APC. While these bribery claims remain unverified by independent forensic agencies, they have intensified the “credibility crisis” surrounding Gombe, especially after his recent forgery claims regarding his own resignation letter were met with skepticism.
The April 7 Showdown
A top chieftain of the ADC disclosed this morning that the party will officially return to the Federal High Court, Abuja, before Justice Emeka Nwite on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, immediately following the Easter holidays.
The party’s legal team is expected to file a motion for the summary dismissal of the suit brought by Gombe (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025). The ADC’s core argument, reportedly supported by prominent legal minds like Inibehe Effiong and Abdul Mahmud, is that the court lacks the jurisdiction to interfere in what is strictly an internal party matter.
The “Jurisdiction Killer”: Section 83(5)
The ADC’s defense hinges on the newly promulgated Electoral Act 2026. Section 83(5) of the Act explicitly states: “No Court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party”.
By citing this provision, the ADC aims to render Gombe’s challenge legally void. Legal experts argue that this section was specifically designed to prevent “frivolous litigation” from being weaponized by external interests to disrupt opposition platforms. The Act also introduces severe consequences for such suits, including mandatory costs of at least ₦10 million against both the plaintiff and their legal counsel if the matter is deemed an unauthorized intrusion into party affairs.
INEC’s Neutral Ground
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already distanced itself from both factions, removing the names of current party officials from its portal to maintain “neutrality” until the court delivers a final judgment. While Gombe’s supporters have urged INEC to recognize him as the acting chairman, the commission has consistently declined, insisting it will not interact with any group claiming leadership while the dispute remains active in court.
As the court resumes on Tuesday, the spotlight will be on Justice Nwite to see if he upholds the jurisdictional shield of the Electoral Act 2026 or allows the substantive suit to proceed—a decision that could decide the ADC’s survival as a viable opposition force for 2027.
