ADC crisis: Nafiu Bala Gombe seeks truce with Atiku, Mark

Nafiu Gombe, the factional leader of the African Democratic Congress who won a landmark court victory that nullified the David Mark-led leadership and Atiku Abubakar’s presidential candidacy, has extended an olive branch to the ousted leaders, calling for reconciliation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The appeal was made on Sunday, November 15, 2026, in a statement signed by Gombe, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE APPEAL

ADVERTISEMENT

Gombe did not mince words. “The court has spoken. But the court is not the end of the matter. We must now come together for the sake of our party and for the sake of Nigeria,” he said.

He acknowledged that the legal battle had been divisive but said the interests of the party were greater than any individual’s ambition.

“I extend my hand of fellowship to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark. Let us put the past behind us and work together to build a strong ADC that can challenge the ruling party in 2027”. He urged the ousted leaders to accept the court’s judgment and join him in rebuilding the party.

THE CONTEXT

The reconciliation call comes after a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, nullified the Mark-led leadership and invalidated all decisions taken by the faction, including the presidential primary that produced Atiku as the ADC’s candidate.

The court held that the emergence of the Mark-led leadership violated the party’s constitution and relevant electoral laws.

The ADC has appealed the judgment, but Gombe’s decision to seek a truce is a signal that he wants to avoid a protracted legal and political battle that could destroy the party.

WHY IT MATTERS

This is a political calculation dressed as reconciliation. Gombe won the court battle, but he knows he cannot win the political war alone.

Atiku has the name recognition, the political network, and the financial resources. Mark has the experience and the connections.

If the ADC goes into the 2027 election without Atiku and Mark, it will be a shell of a party. If it reconciles, it can present a united front.

But reconciliation is not easy. Atiku’s supporters are unlikely to accept defeat quietly. They may see Gombe’s gesture as an attempt to legitimise his leadership while sidelining their candidate.

And there is the question of trust. If Atiku and Mark agree to return, who will lead the party? Will Gombe step aside? Or will he insist on remaining in charge? The truce has been proposed. The response is awaited. ValidViewNetwork reports.