ADC Faction Leaders Bala and Abejide Reject Expulsion Following Alleged Illegal Convention in Abuja

Nafiu Bala Gombe and Leke Abejide reject their expulsion from the ADC, citing court order violations and illegal factional activities in Abuja.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 9:20 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Guardian Nigeria

Internal Power Struggle Intensifies Within the ADC

The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress has reached a critical impasse following a public rejection of expulsion orders by the party’s primary executive bloc. National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe and Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives, characterized the move by a rival coalition as an illegal attempt to hijack the party’s administrative structure. During a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the leaders vowed to resist the opposing faction through all available legal channels, asserting that the reported disciplinary actions have no basis in the party’s constitution.

Dismissal of External Sponsorship and Political Propaganda

In a direct response to allegations of external interference, the Bala Gombe led faction categorically denied claims that their leadership is being funded or directed by President Bola Tinubu. The duo dismissed these accusations as propaganda designed to undermine their credibility and distract from the internal dispute. Bala Gombe emphasized that there would be no negotiations with the rival group, arguing that it is impossible to enter into agreements with individuals he claims are not recognized members of the African Democratic Congress.

Allegations of Judicial Contempt and Illegal Conventions

The current escalation follows an April 14 convention organized by a coalition aligned with former Senate President David Mark, during which the expulsion of the current leadership was announced. Bala Gombe argued that this exercise was a violation of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, as well as existing Federal High Court orders. He warned that any administrative changes made in defiance of these judicial rulings are liable to be voided, further alleging that forged documents were used to give the rival bloc a false sense of legitimacy.