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…Gombe faction alleges legal breaches and forged processes

…Abejide signals possible defection ahead of next election

By Gloria Ikibah

The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has escalated, with a key faction of the party rejecting the outcome of a recent convention held in Abuja and describing it as unlawful.

Factional National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe, alongside senior party figure and lawmaker, Leke Abejide, dismissed the gathering organised by a coalition group, arguing that it breached existing court rulings and undermined due process.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the group maintained that the convention, held on 14 April, 2026, failed to meet legal requirements and was conducted in disregard of binding judicial decisions.

They pointed to a Court of Appeal ruling delivered in March 2026, which they said remains in force, insisting that any resolutions from the disputed convention could ultimately be overturned by the courts.

The faction also raised concerns over the absence of the electoral commission at the event, suggesting this further weakened its legitimacy and cast doubt on its recognition under the law.

Tensions within the party appear to be deepening, with Abejide indicating he may explore alternative political platforms ahead of the next election cycle, a move that could further reshape the party’s internal dynamics.

Gombe said: “Any action taken in flagrant disregard of the Court of Appeal’s judgment is not only of questionable legality but is liable to be declared null and void,” he said.

The chairman maintained that those behind the convention were not recognised members of the ADC and therefore lacked the legal authority to convene a national convention or take binding decisions on behalf of the party.

“As far as the duly constituted leadership of the party is concerned, the coalition group are not members of ADC and consequently lack the locus standi to convene any congress or convention,” he stated.

He added that the actions of the group were not surprising, alleging a pattern of disregard for due process and violation of the party’s constitution.

Gombe also raised concerns over what he described as a contradiction in the coalition’s actions, as he said while the convention was ongoing, their legal representatives were simultaneously seeking validation for the same exercise before the Supreme Court.

“This underscores the illegitimacy of the entire process,” he said.

In a dramatic development, the factional chairman of the party indicated that the situation has escalated beyond internal disputes, raising serious concerns over alleged criminal actions, including the use of falsified documents purportedly carrying his signature.

“This matter is not an internal party affair. It involves a breach of the ADC constitution and infringement of my rights as a bona fide member. It has now escalated to a criminal dimension with the preparation of false documents bearing my forged signature,” he alleged.

He also criticised attempts by some political actors, including associates of former Senate President David Mark, to rely on provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 to shield their actions from judicial scrutiny.

According to him, Section 83(5) of the Act does not preclude the courts from intervening in cases where party constitutions are breached or members’ rights are violated.

Also speaking, Abejide described the Abuja gathering as a “Suya Convention” an “unlawful assembly” and an “affront to the judiciary,” accusing the organisers of deliberately disobeying court orders from both the Federal High Court and the Supreme Court.

He debunked claims that himself and the factional chairman, Gombe had been suspended by the opposing faction, describing such actions as baseless and lacking legal effect.

“It is not a convention but an illegal assembly. This attitude is treasonable and a direct affront against the judiciary.

“The purported suspension is a laughable phenomenon from an illegal group of people who came to destroy the ADC the same way they destabilised other parties they left,” Abejide stated.

Leaders of the faction also criticised members of the coalition, describing them as habitual defectors whose frequent movement between political parties has contributed to instability within the ADC.

Abejide, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency, defended his standing in the party, pointing out that he has remained with the ADC since 2017 and has been instrumental in strengthening its structure, particularly in Kogi State.

He highlighted the party’s growth in the state, noting that it expanded from a single seat in 2019 to securing several legislative positions by 2023, a development he linked to sustained grassroots engagement and steady leadership.

“I am not a political merchant moving from one party to another. I have remained in ADC and helped build it into a recognised platform,” he said.

The factional leadership revealed that it has briefed lawyers to challenge what it described as illegal suspensions and other actions taken by the opposing group, citing the legal principle of lis pendens, which restricts actions on matters already before the court.

They further cautioned that continued disregard for court orders and internal instability could jeopardise the party’s ability to field candidates in future elections.

“If ADC is unable to field candidates at the end of this crisis, the coalition group should be held responsible,” Abejide stated.

The factional leadership group dismissed claims by other factions within the party, insisting that those parading themselves as alternative leadership structures are either aligned with the same coalition or lack any constitutional backing.

Responding to questions on a separate faction that had also distanced itself from the Balagubu-led leadership, the chairman said such groups have no legal standing, alleging that many of their members had previously resigned their positions under questionable circumstances.

He further accused the coalition of recruiting politicians with a history of defection across multiple parties, arguing that their involvement has destabilised the ADC.

“These are individuals who have moved from one political party to another. Their track record shows a pattern of political inconsistency and opportunism,” he said.

The faction also rejected reports that some of its leaders had been suspended by the opposing group, describing the move as baseless and legally untenable.

They argued that any disciplinary action taken by what they termed an “illegal assembly” cannot stand, especially while related matters are before the courts.

“The purported suspensions are laughable. You cannot suspend someone from a structure that has no legal existence,” he said.

Responding to questions on whether he will seek reelection on the platform of ADC in 2027, Abejide said there would be the possibility of political realignments if the crisis persists, noting that politicians may be forced to seek alternative platforms.

” If this matter is not resolved within the next two weeks, any aspirant contesting under this platform risks their political future”, he stated. 

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared that credibility as an opposition force must be earned through electoral victories, not mere rhetoric and emergency coalition, as he pledged loyalty to the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the party’s national headquarters, Wadata House, Abuja, Wike dismissed claims by smaller political groups positioning themselves as leading opposition voices, insisting that performance at the polls remains the true test of relevance.

“You cannot become an opposition party without winning an election. Those who say they are leading the opposition have not contested any election successfully,” he said.

Wike’s remarks come amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s political space, with parties jostling for influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reaffirming his commitment to the PDP, Wike said his visit was to demonstrate solidarity with the new leadership and encourage a united front as the party rebuilds after internal crises.

“My coming here is to reassure you of my support. I have come to pledge my loyalty to the National Working Committee,” he stated.

He acknowledged that the PDP had faced significant challenges but noted that the party was gradually emerging from its internal strife.

“Yes, we have crisis, and we have almost come out of it. It will require hard work and sacrifice to move the party forward,” he said.

The minister urged the NWC to prioritise reconciliation, particularly by engaging members who had defected, many of whom, he noted, still retain interest in the party.
“Reach out to them. Most are concerned about opportunities, including tickets. You know what to do,” Wike advised.

He also cautioned against distractions, especially ongoing legal battles, expressing confidence that the party would prevail.

“We have defeated them at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. The same God will see us through. Stay focused and work as a team,” he added.

In his response, PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, assured that the new leadership would reposition the party and restore public confidence.

“We have capable hands and we are determined to lead the party to a higher level. We will not disappoint Nigerians,” he said.

Mohammed stressed that the PDP remained a viable platform for national leadership and would intensify efforts to secure electoral victories in 2027.

Also speaking, National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, commended Wike’s continued support, describing his visit as a significant boost to the morale of the party’s leadership.

The visit underscores growing efforts within the PDP to reassert its dominance as Nigeria’s foremost opposition party, amid increasing competition and shifting political alliances.

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Tragedy averted in Lagos on Tuesday after a 33-year-old man jumped into the lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge but was rescued moments later.

The man, identified simply as Olu, reportedly parked his silver Lexus SUV around the Yaba axis of the bridge before plunging into the water.

Eyewitnesses said he was quickly spotted, prompting swift intervention. The Divisional Police Officer in Yaba, CSP Adegbemi Isiaka, was alerted and immediately mobilised a nearby fisherman, who pulled the victim out of the lagoon.

He was subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he received treatment.

Sources disclosed that Olu, said to be based in Ibadan, Oyo State, had travelled to Lagos with the intention of taking his own life.

According to accounts, he had suffered significant losses from cryptocurrency investments, which left him distressed and overwhelmed.

“He drove from Ibadan to Lagos just to jump from the bridge. He said he lost money in his investment and could not cope,” an eyewitness recounted.

The witness added that the DPO had to offer a token to the fisherman to ensure the rescue was carried out swiftly.

Confirming the incident, Lagos Police Command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the man has since been discharged from the hospital and reunited with his family, who arrived from Ibadan after being contacted.

She added that the family has undertaken to get him professional help at a rehabilitation centre.

Adebisi also noted that the victim was counselled and warned against attempting suicide, which is considered an offence under Nigerian law.

The incident gained public attention after businessman Isaac Fayose shared a video online, urging people to check on loved ones.

In the now-viral clip, a witness narrated how Olu parked his vehicle, left his phones behind, and jumped into the lagoon, before help arrived just in time to save him.