ADC Factional Leader Nafiu Bala Extends Olive Branch To Atiku, David Mark After Court Victory

A factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has extended an olive branch to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and other prominent party chieftains following a court judgment that affirmed his faction’s leadership in the party’s protracted crisis.

Speaking during an interview on BBC Hausa on Saturday while reacting to the court ruling, Bala maintained that the verdict vindicated his group as the authentic leadership of the ADC, insisting that their stance was firmly rooted in the provisions of the party’s constitution.

‘Alhamdulillah. As we always say, truth is truth, while lies remain lies. Allah has vindicated us. The court has seen the merit of our case and our truthfulness and has decided to return the party leadership to us,’ he stated.

He disclosed that his faction is currently awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment to formally approach the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to effect the necessary updates to the party’s official leadership records.

Despite the legal victory, Bala emphasized that the judgment should not be viewed as an opportunity to settle political scores, expressing readiness to collaborate with Atiku, David Mark, and other stakeholders to build a formidable opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘This is not a fight. Allah has given us victory, but we are not enemies. We are extending a hand of friendship to them to stop being arrogant and whatever they may say so that we can strengthen the opposition and face the government,’ he said.

On his personal relationship with Atiku, Bala noted that he views the former vice-president as a father figure from the same geopolitical zone, though he expressed disappointment that Atiku had never personally reached out to him amid the crisis while certain party figures labeled him a spoiler.

Bala insisted that anyone seeking to join the ADC or contest elective offices on its platform must strictly adhere to the party’s constitution—particularly rules governing grassroots ward registration, payment of membership dues, and a mandatory two-year membership requirement for leadership eligibility.

He faulted the opposing camp for bypassing proper registration protocols, alleging that David Mark obtained his membership card from a former national chairman in Abuja rather than registering at his local ward.

Dismissing widespread allegations that he is acting as a tool for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize the opposition, Bala maintained that his legal battle was solely motivated by a desire to uphold the rule of law.

‘I went to court with only the constitution. I told the world that if they had followed the right procedures, the court should rule in their favour. But if we were right, we should be given our rights,’ he explained.

Addressing the continued display of Atiku and David Mark’s names on INEC’s portal, Bala expressed confidence that the electoral commission is law-abiding and will update its records once served with the official court documents.

He also rejected arguments that the massive crowds drawn during recent ADC political rallies in Sokoto and Kebbi states should have deterred him from pursuing the lawsuit, stressing that popularity and financial might must never override established party rules.

While urging youths to shun political violence and respect democratic institutions, Bala refuted circulated claims suggesting he had resigned, directed ADC aspirants to continue their campaigns, and urged members of the opposing faction to exercise patience and regularize their ward registrations.