WorldStage– The national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, has dissociated the party from the National Summit of Opposition Political Parties held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Gombe gave the declaration through a statement issued by Christopher Okechukwu, the Director of Media and Public Affairs.
This disassociation occurs amidst a deep leadership crisis within the ADC.
While Gombe claims the national chairmanship, a rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark participated in the Ibadan summit and signed the “Ibadan Declaration,” which aims to field a single opposition presidential candidate for 2027.
The Gombe faction of the party clarified several key points regarding its non-involvement, among which is that the gathering and that the summit did not represent the party’s official stance.
The party accused participants at the summit of misrepresenting themselves as members of the ADC, alleging that many were former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) operating under false identities.
The Gombe-led leadership described the summit as a congregation of individuals driven by personal political ambitions rather than the party’s collective goals.
Discussions at the meeting reportedly centred on forging a united opposition front and adopting a single presidential candidate to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027, culminating in what participants described as the “Ibadan Declaration.”
However, the ADC’s internal divisions were again brought to the fore, with reports indicating that some individuals linked to the party attended the summit under a separate factional alignment.
Another bloc within the ADC had earlier shown sympathy toward the opposition coalition efforts, underscoring competing claims to leadership and direction within the party.
The Gombe-led faction’s disavowal highlights the continuing fragmentation within the ADC, a situation that could complicate its role in any broader opposition alliance.
In Nigeria’s fluid political landscape, such disputes often hinge on formal recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a factor likely to shape the party’s standing as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace.
Key attendees at the summit included the host, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, and David Mark.
