By Oluwakemi Kindnes
A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a convention held in Abuja by a rival coalition group, describing the exercise as illegal, void, and in violation of subsisting court orders.
The faction, led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe, and National Leader, Leke Abejide, stated this during a news briefing in Abuja on Friday, insisting that the April 14, 2026 gathering had no legal backing or recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to Gombe, any action taken in defiance of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, cannot stand legal scrutiny.
“Any action taken in flagrant disregard of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on 12th March 2026 is not only of questionable legality but is liable to be declared null, void, and of no effect,” he said.
He argued that the convention was organized by a rival coalition faction within the party that lacks the legal authority to act on behalf of the ADC.
“They are not members of the African Democratic Congress. Consequently, they lack the requisite locus standi to convene or conduct any congress or convention,” he added.
Gombe further cited INEC’s absence at the event as evidence that the gathering lacked official recognition and legitimacy.
“The noticeable absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission strongly indicates that the process lacks official recognition and cannot stand judicial scrutiny,” he said.
He also alleged that forged documents bearing his signature were circulated by the rival faction, escalating the dispute into what he described as a criminal matter.
“The matter has now escalated to a criminal dimension, involving the preparation of a false document bearing my forged signature, with the intent to damage my reputation,” he stated.
Gombe accused the rival group of undermining court authority, adding that their conduct reflected a disregard for the rule of law.
“Their conduct is not unexpected, as they have a documented history of contempt for the rule of law,” he said.
In a separate remark, Abejide dismissed reports of his suspension by the rival faction, describing the action as baseless and without legal effect.
“I see it as a laughable phenomenon from an illegal group of people who came to destroy the African Democratic Congress,” he said.
He added that the matter was already before the courts and warned against actions that could interfere with ongoing litigation.
“I have briefed my lawyers on possible litigation against their purported suspension,” he added.
Abejide further cautioned that the prolonged internal crisis could weaken the party’s electoral chances if not urgently resolved.
“If we cannot resolve this in the next two weeks, anybody who contests election on this party may end up risking his political career,” he warned.
Both factions continue to claim legitimacy and control of the party structure, while the leadership dispute remains pending before the courts.
