|By Chinwendu Nwani
A fresh leadership crisis is unfolding within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a faction of the party has formally petitioned the United States Embassy in Nigeria, alleging an attempted takeover of the party’s leadership structure.
The faction, led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, is urging the United States to impose sanctions, including visa restrictions, on individuals accused of undermining the party’s internal democratic processes.
In a formal complaint submitted to the embassy in Abuja, Gombe—who claims to be the legitimate National Chairman of the party—alleged that certain actors violated the ADC constitution following the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu, and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
According to him, due process dictates that the Deputy National Chairman should assume leadership in the event of a vacancy. He maintained that as the only deputy who did not resign, he was constitutionally positioned to take charge of the party.
Gombe, however, accused unnamed political actors of attempting to hijack the party through unconstitutional means, alleging interference from external forces and political interests.
He further claimed that while his faction has approached the courts to seek redress, opposing groups have resorted to propaganda, including linking their actions to Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC)—an allegation he firmly denied.
The petition described the situation as a threat to democratic principles within the party and called on the United States to take a stand against what it termed “anti-democratic practices.”
Gombe urged the international community to consider sanctions against those allegedly involved in the attempted takeover, including denying them visas and other diplomatic privileges.
He emphasized that such measures would send a strong signal that the global community does not support actions that undermine internal party democracy and constitutional order in Nigeria.
The faction also appealed to the United States to act swiftly, noting that the outcome of the crisis could have broader implications for democratic governance in the country.
