ABUJA — The battle for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reached a critical flashpoint this Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026, as credible intelligence reveals a coordinated plot by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe to stage a “power grab” at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters.
Reliable sources within the party indicate that Gombe is currently operating from a base at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, where he is reportedly enlisting various state chairmen to accompany him to INEC today. The intended visit is seen as a high-stakes attempt to force the commission to “rubber stamp” his claim as acting national chairman, effectively bypassing the party’s mainstream leadership and the ongoing judicial process.
The “Bought-Over” Chairmen and Suspended Congresses
The plot has already begun to fracture the party’s state structures. Reports indicate that the ADC state chairmen in Abia and Edo have issued statements suspending all scheduled party congresses in their respective domains. These actions are being characterized by party insiders as the direct result of an “unholy alliance,” with allegations that the chairmen were financially induced to shift their loyalty to the Gombe faction.
“They are trying to create a fait accompli,” a top ADC chieftain warned this morning. “By marching these chairmen to INEC on a Tuesday, Gombe wants to present a facade of national support to trick the commission into recognizing him before the court even delivers a ruling today. This is an orchestrated assault on the party’s internal democracy.”
The ₦2 Billion Shadow and the 2027 Agenda
These internal fractures are shadowed by persistent allegations that Gombe received ₦2 billion from senior officials within the Tinubu administration to destabilize the ADC. Critics argue that the factional leader’s sudden ability to coordinate national-scale movements and house state officials in luxury hotels like the Transcorp Hilton points to a massive influx of external funding. The ultimate goal, many believe, is to dismantle the primary opposition coalition and clear the path for a “one-party state” before the 2027 elections.
The Legal Showdown at the Federal High Court
The intended visit to INEC headquarters today coincides with a pivotal legal hearing. The ADC’s mainstream leadership, led by Senator David Mark, is returning to the Federal High Court this morning before Justice Emeka Nwite. They are expected to ask the court to summarily dismiss Gombe’s suit, citing Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026, which strictly forbids judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties.
While Gombe attempts to mobilize state leaders for his Tuesday visit to the electoral umpire, the ADC mainstream remains defiant. They insist the party will proceed with its April 14 National Convention in Abuja, regardless of the commission’s current “frozen” stance on the leadership records.
