The African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the leadership of Nafiu Bala Gombe, has ruled out any support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The party also inaugurated its zonal, state congress and appeal committees across the country, urging members to stay united and committed to building what it described as a credible and formidable opposition platform.
The inauguration, held on Sunday in Abuja, was led by Gombe, who said the move aimed to strengthen the party’s internal democratic processes.
According to him, the committees will supervise the planning and conduct of congresses at the zonal, state, local government and ward levels, in line with the ADC constitution and the Electoral Act.
“This gathering marks an important milestone in the history of our party,” Gombe said. “The establishment of these committees reflects our resolve to strengthen party structures and ensure that members’ voices are heard at every level.”
He explained that the committees would also ensure strict constitutional compliance, implement congress guidelines and uphold electoral rules, including voting procedures, ballot management and result declaration.
Gombe called on party members to work collectively to build a stronger ADC anchored on justice, equity and fairness, while urging leaders to empower members and provide clear direction for change.
He also distanced the party from recent comments attributed to Hon. Leke Joseph Abijide in support of Tinubu’s re-election.
“I want to clearly state that the leadership of the ADC rejects that position,” he said. “It does not represent our stance as a determined opposition party. We reaffirm our resolve to remain a strong force in Nigeria’s political space.”
In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the North-West Zonal Congress Committee, Abimikun Monday, described the inauguration as a major step towards repositioning the party.
“This is a milestone in our efforts to reposition the ADC’s leadership at all levels,” he said, adding that the assignment showed the confidence reposed in the committee by the national leadership.
Monday praised Gombe for his commitment to rebuilding the party despite internal challenges and assured that the committee would faithfully discharge its mandate.
“Our task is to oversee the planning and conduct of zonal, state and local government congresses in line with the party’s constitution, approved guidelines and the Electoral Act,” he said.
Also speaking, the Kaduna State Chairman of the ADC, Sani Aliyu Mohammed, reaffirmed the party’s determination to win power through democratic means.
“We will work tirelessly from the state level down to the local governments to ensure effective organisation and success,” he said.
Mohammed added that the party would pursue all legal and legitimate options to make the ADC a strong national force from 2027, while thanking members for their continued support and pledging the leadership’s commitment to delivering on its mandate.
