Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding its intervention in the leadership struggle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, April 3, 2026, Wike argued that the electoral body should have officially recognized Nafiu Bala Gombe as the party’s national chairman in accordance with recent legal developments.
“In my own opinion, INEC, by that judgment, ought to have recognised Bala Gombe as the ADC national chairman,” Wike stated.
Despite his critique, the FCT Minister suggested that the embattled party remains in a relatively fair position since the commission has chosen to suspend recognition for all competing factions until a final judicial resolution is reached.
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“ADC should be happy that INEC said, ‘Look, we are not going to recognise any of you until you sort your matter in court,’” he remarked.
These comments follow INEC’s recent move to scrub the names of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.
Wike, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also used the platform to discuss his own political future, emphasizing that he would avoid any organization burdened by pre-existing instability.
“If I am to join another party, I will be very careful not to join a political party that has internal crisis ab initio,” he declared, noting that such entities often lack the institutional strength found in the PDP.
The ADC has since accused INEC of legal violations and bias after the commission announced it would not monitor any upcoming conventions or congresses organized by the rival groups. This standoff continues as all parties await a substantive ruling from the Federal High Court to determine the legitimate leadership of the party.
