Gombe-led ADC Faction Denies Viral Convention Video, Awaits Court Decision
The faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Bala Gombe has strongly dismissed a viral podcast video that falsely claimed an elective convention was conducted at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola International Stadium in Abuja. In a statement issued yesterday, Chief of Staff to the factional National Chairman, Bala Kumo, clarified that the ADC leadership under Gombe has never issued any notice for an elective convention to its members or authorized such a gathering.
Commitment to Due Process and Legal Proceedings
Kumo emphasized the party's unwavering commitment to due process, constitutionalism, and the rule of law. He stated that the ADC will patiently await the outcome of the matter currently before the Federal High Court, as well as a related appeal pending at the Supreme Court. This legal stance underscores the faction's resolve to resolve internal disputes through proper judicial channels rather than through unauthorized assemblies or media propaganda.
Melaye Accuses Tinubu of Judicial Interference
In a related development, former lawmaker Dino Melaye has accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to influence the judiciary ahead of the Supreme Court's pending verdict on the legitimacy of the David Mark-led ADC National Working Committee (NWC). Melaye alleged that during a meeting with Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu subtly signaled the judiciary by referring to an opposition convention as "illegal" while the matter is still sub judice.
Speaking at a gathering of serving and former National Assembly members at the Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja, Melaye criticized the President's remarks, stating, "As of today, no court in Nigeria has pronounced our convention illegal. But addressing his coordinators, he was giving a body language and signal to the judiciary by addressing our convention as illegal when no court said so. That is prompting the judiciary; that is very unprecedented."
Contrasting Advice from Bello and Gbajabiamila to Abejide
Meanwhile, former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, have offered divergent strategies to lawmaker Leke Abejide, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency, during a dinner in Abuja honoring his wife's 50th birthday. Bello urged Abejide to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), praising him as a resilient politician whose experience and loyalty would be valuable to the ruling party. He commended Abejide's performance in the National Assembly and his support for the current administration, insisting that the APC remains the best political platform for him.
In contrast, Gbajabiamila advised Abejide to remain in the ADC and defend the structure he has built over the years. He praised the lawmaker's rare achievement of winning elections repeatedly on the platform of a relatively smaller party, noting that such political capital should not be surrendered. Gbajabiamila described Abejide as a "dogged fighter" who thrives against the odds, urging him to "Stay in ADC. Fight. Hold on to your party. Don't allow anyone to take it from you."
ADC National Forum Condemns Political Interference
The ADC National Forum of Serving and Former Legislators (ADC-NF) has condemned recent remarks attributed to Gbajabiamila, allegedly urging a party member to remain in the ADC and "scatter them from within." Addressing journalists in Abuja on behalf of the forum, a member of the 8th National Assembly, Nnenna Ukeje, warned that such statements raise serious concerns about political interference, judicial independence, and the integrity of Nigeria's democracy.
The forum expressed that Nigeria's democratic institutions are under unusual strain and called for restraint by political actors, especially on matters before the courts. They also referenced remarks attributed to President Tinubu describing the ADC national convention as a street convention, arguing that such language is dismissive of democratic participation and opposition politics.
Reacting to the viral video showing Gbajabiamila's comments, the forum stated, "When the Chief of Staff to the President says 'fight them, scatter them; we are happy with you, we would support you to triumph in the courts', it is safe to conclude that he does not speak in isolation; he conveys the leanings of the President and the Presidency." This has sparked widespread criticism on social media, highlighting the deepening political crisis within the ADC and its implications for Nigeria's democratic fabric.
