Conflict escalates in Gombe ADC as former governorship candidate expelled and key officials suspended

Tensions are rising within the Gombe State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where rival factions are locked in a power struggle, culminating in the expulsion of a former governorship candidate and suspension of several party officials over accusations of anti-party conduct.

The political rift in Gombe has deepened following a weekend announcement by a faction led by Auwal Abba Barde, a seasoned party leader. This group expelled Nafiu Bala, the ADC’s 2015 governorship candidate, citing serious accusations of misconduct and disloyalty to the party’s cause. The move comes after Bala allegedly acted beyond his authority by presenting himself as the acting national chairman of the party.

According to a statement shared by Barde, the decision to oust Bala was recommended by the Nasarawo Ward Disciplinary Committee, which found him guilty of gross breach of party rules. Despite being invited to defend himself, Bala failed to appear before the panel. The State Executive Committee subsequently ratified the exclusion and pledged to forward it to the ADC’s national headquarters for further processing.

Additionally, this faction placed three officials on suspension, including, deputy chairman Nasiru Lawan, state chairman Danladi Ya’u, and Youth Leader Abdulkadir Sa’idu, actions that show the intensity of the feud. Notably, some insiders argue that Barde himself was expelled from the party in 2022, a claim he denies vehemently.

The opposing group headed by Danladi Ya’u supports the national leadership under Senator David Mark. During a recent meeting, Ya’u’s camp dismissed Bala’s claims to the acting national chairman post as divisive and self-serving. They reaffirmed their loyalty to Mark’s leadership, emphasizing unity and a shared commitment toward electoral success in 2027.

Nafiu Bala, however, rejects the expulsion as illegitimate. He insists his position as acting national chairman remains valid, supported by the Nigerian Constitution and party regulations. Bala challenged Barde’s authority, accusing him of no longer being a party member since 2022 and emphasized the need for proper re-registration processes at the grassroots level for any expelled or incoming members. He also urged Senator Mark to officially sever ties with the People’s Democratic Party before exerting influence within the ADC.