Just In: ADC Crisis Deepens as Abejide, Gombe Dismiss Abuja Convention as Illegal

….. Accuse Coalition of Court Contempt

By Christiana Ekpa

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Friday as the party’s Factional National Chairman, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, and National Leader, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, jointly rejected the outcome of a recent convention held in Abuja, describing it as illegal and a violation of subsisting court orders.

Addressing a world press conference, the duo accused a coalition group within the party of spreading misinformation and attempting to hijack the party’s structure by parading themselves as members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

They declared that the convention, held on April 14, 2026, in Abuja, was “null and void,” citing alleged breaches of the Electoral Act 2026 and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

According to them, existing orders from both the Federal High Court and the Supreme Court restrained all parties from taking further actions pending the determination of ongoing suits.

“It is shocking that despite clear court directives, these individuals went ahead to conduct what they called a convention. This is a blatant disregard for the judiciary and amounts to contempt of court,” Abejide said.

He further described the gathering as an “unlawful assembly,” arguing that it contravened legal provisions, including the FCT Penal Code.

The ADC leaders also dismissed reports of their suspension by the rival group, describing the move as “laughable” and legally untenable.

Abejide maintained that he remains a legitimate member of the party and hinted at possible legal action against those behind the purported suspension, noting that the matter is already before the courts.

“I have instructed my lawyers to take appropriate steps. Any attempt to take actions against me while the matter is pending in court violates established legal principles,” he said.

Highlighting his political track record, Abejide pointed to his role in strengthening the ADC in Kogi State, where the party secured two House of Representatives seats and State Assembly positions in the 2023 general elections.

He contrasted his loyalty to the party since 2017 with what he described as the “habitual defection” of some coalition members, accusing them of moving across multiple political parties for personal gain.

On his part, Gombe reinforced the position that the Abuja convention lacked legitimacy, stressing that the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) further undermined its credibility.

“Any process conducted without INEC’s involvement cannot stand the test of legality,” he said.

He added that the individuals behind the convention lack the legal standing to organise such an exercise, insisting that they are not recognised members of the ADC.

Gombe also raised concerns over alleged forgery, claiming that a false document bearing his signature was circulated to damage his reputation, a development he said has introduced a criminal dimension to the dispute.

He clarified that the ongoing case is not merely an internal party matter but involves constitutional breaches and violations of members’ rights.

The ADC chairman further faulted reliance on Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act by the opposing group, noting that the provision allows courts to intervene where party constitutions are breached or individual rights are infringed.

Both leaders warned that the ongoing dispute could jeopardise the party’s chances in future elections if not resolved in line with the law.

They urged party members and the public to disregard the outcome of the disputed convention, insisting that only actions taken by the recognised leadership of the party remain valid.

“At the end of these actions, if the ADC fails to field candidates, the responsibility will lie squarely with those attempting to undermine the party through illegal means,” Abejide stated.