A group of the African Democratic Congress, or ADC, has formally filed a petition with the US embassy in Abuja, accusing some members of attempting to seize control of the party and undermine internal democratic processes. This has created a fresh leadership crisis inside the ADC.
The faction headed by Nafiu Bala Gombe is requesting that the US take into consideration implementing sanctions, such as limits on visas, on those who are purportedly responsible for the unlawful takeover of the party’s leadership.
Gombe, who claims to be the party’s true leader, filed an official complaint with the embassy alleging that certain anonymous lawmakers violated the party’s policies and failed to follow the correct procedures.
According to Gombe, the event happened after Ralph Okey Nwosu, the party’s previous national chairman, and other National Working Committee (NWC) members resigned.
“As the Authentic National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, I am writing to you in my capacity,” Gombe wrote in the plea. I would like to draw attention to a significant problem within our party that we believe is endangering Nigeria’s democratic process and the rule of law.
“We are requesting the Embassy to acknowledge the situation and take action against the undemocratic takeover of our party as a symbol of democracy and a protector of constitutional processes worldwide.
The voluntary resignations of our former National Chairman, Mr. Ralph Okey Nwosu, and other National Working Committee (NWC) members constitute a clear violation of the ADC Constitution, which is the basis for our complaint.
In order to maintain smooth operations, the Deputy National Chairman must step in when the National Chairman position falls vacant. After the resignations, I, Hon. Nafiu Bala, was the only National Deputy Chairman to stay in office. Therefore, it was my responsibility as a leader to oversee the party’s affairs in accordance with the law and the correct procedures.
Consequently, I was given the responsibility of leading the party in accordance with due process and constitutional rights.
But outside political forces, such as power brokers from other political parties, have obstructed our legitimate path to leadership.
“These individuals are attempting to become leaders and seize control of the ADC without adhering to the guidelines set down by our party. In order to fight for justice and demonstrate that we are abiding by the laws of our party, we have brought our case to court; however, our opponents have instead employed propaganda.
They are making up the accusation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is encouraging them and manipulating the legal system to stifle their aspirations. We want to state unequivocally that we have no affiliation with President Tinubu or his political party, the All Progressives Congress, in order to avoid any misunderstandings.
Gombe requested in the petition that the United States take notice of what he described as “anti-democratic practices” within the party.
He stated that the petition is intended to safeguard democratic principles within the party and guarantee that Nigerian law is appropriately applied.
“We respectfully request that the United States consider imposing sanctions against these undemocratic elements should they successfully seize our party leadership through unconstitutional means,” he continued.
“We explicitly request that any special rights, such as diplomatic treatment or visas, that are typically granted to genuine democrats and democratic leaders be removed or rejected.
Such moves would make it abundantly evident that the international community will not tolerate the party’s internal democracy and the nation’s constitutional processes being undermined.
“We value your continued assistance in helping emerging democracies around the world achieve sound government. For the sake of justice and Nigeria’s democracy’s future, we really hope you will consider our request and take prompt action.
