ABUJA – In a deeply personal and stinging rebuke, Hon. Umar Gajo Elleman has opened up about the betrayal at the heart of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership crisis, accusing the ruling APC of “taking over” a former ally to dismantle the opposition from within.
Elleman’s statement, released on Friday, paints a picture of a once-united front that has been deliberately sabotaged by “criminal” elements looking to protect the status quo ahead of 2027.
The “Financial Secretary” Who Changed Sides
Recalling the day the coalition was formed, Elleman described a cordial and supportive encounter with Naf’iu Bala Gombe, the man now at the centre of the legal battle to unseat the David Mark-led NWC.
“I met Naf’iu Bala, who sat behind me. He told me he was serving as the Financial Secretary of the old ADC,” Elleman revealed. “At the time, he seemed fully supportive of the coalition and appeared to have no issues with its direction. We even exchanged contacts.”
The shock, Elleman says, came when Gombe—who the party claims resigned back in May 2025—suddenly re-emerged to challenge the new leadership in court. “It is surprising and concerning to see how the APC has influenced or taken him over. He has been hijacked by criminals.”
A Plea to Nigeria’s Youth
Beyond the internal party squabbles, Elleman issued a rallying cry to the nation’s youth, who he says are the primary victims of the current “injustice and hardship” sweeping the country.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, not just a select few,” he declared. “What is happening today is painful. We must remain conscious, united, and committed to the future of our nation. We are not here to destroy Nigeria, but we cannot stay silent.”
The “Rescue Journey” Under Siege
Elleman’s intervention adds a human face to a week of institutional warfare. From Bolaji Abdullahi’s “contemptuous” charges against INEC to Governor Bala Mohammed’s “Gestapo” warnings in Bauchi, the opposition narrative is clear: the APC is using “traitors” and state machinery to build a one-party state.
As the ADC prepares to defy INEC by holding its ward congresses on April 9, Elleman’s message serves as a reminder that the battle for the party is also a battle for the soul of the country.
“Nigeria is our home,” Elleman concluded. “We all have a role to play in protecting and building it. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
