A factional leader of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has offered to reconcile with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark and other party chieftains amid the lingering leadership crisis rocking the opposition party.
Bala, however, insisted that members seeking elective and leadership positions in the party must comply with its constitution, including fulfilling the stipulated membership requirements.
He made the remarks during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Saturday while reacting to the November 5 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the David Mark-led caretaker committee.
The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, delivered the judgment in a suit instituted by Bala, who challenged the process through which the caretaker committee emerged.
The ruling also set aside the processes leading to Atiku's emergence as the party's presidential candidate.
Reacting, Bala described the judgment as a victory for his faction, saying the court had affirmed his position on the leadership dispute.
He disclosed that his faction was awaiting the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgment before approaching the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to effect changes to the party's leadership records.
Despite celebrating the ruling, Bala said his faction was not interested in fighting the opposing camp, urging Atiku, Mark and other stakeholders to embrace reconciliation to strengthen the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This is not a fight. Allah has given us victory, but we are not enemies. We are extending a hand of friendship to them to stop being arrogant and whatever they may say so that we can strengthen the opposition and face the government,” he said.
The factional leader maintained that anyone seeking an elective or leadership position in the ADC must register at their respective wards, pay the prescribed membership dues and satisfy the party's constitutional requirements.
He said the party's constitution required members to have at least two years of membership before becoming eligible for leadership positions.
Bala accused the opposing faction of disregarding the party's membership registration procedures, alleging that Mark obtained his membership card from a former national chairman in Abuja rather than registering at his ward.
He said he had repeatedly warned the opposing camp about the consequences of violating the party's constitution but that his concerns were ignored.
Bala also dismissed allegations that he was being sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to destabilise the opposition, insisting that his court action was solely aimed at protecting his rights and enforcing the ADC constitution.
He further argued that the large crowds attracted by the ADC during political engagements across the country should not be used as justification for disregarding the party's established rules.
On his relationship with Atiku, Bala described the former vice-president as a father figure but expressed disappointment that he had not personally contacted him despite their coming from the same geopolitical zone.
He also disclosed that his faction had directed all aspirants seeking elective positions on the ADC platform to continue their campaigns while urging members of the opposing faction to exercise patience and complete their registration in line with the party's constitution.
Bala said his faction's activities were largely funded through membership dues and contributions.
He also urged Nigerian youths to remain law-abiding and avoid being drawn into political confrontations, insisting that the ADC leadership dispute should be resolved through constitutional and legal means.
Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround the ADC's preparations for the 2027 general elections following the court judgment.
2027: We’re not enemies – Nafiu Bala gives condition to Atiku, David Mark