The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is grappling with escalating internal conflict, as former Senator Ishaku Abbo accused key party figures of reneging on agreements and making inflammatory statements that have deepened divisions.
Abbo traced the dispute to what he described as a “defaulted deal” and alleged “demeaning declarations” involving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal.
The crisis emerged amid a prolonged leadership tussle that observers warn could undermine the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a social media post, Abbo claimed the same actors behind the controversy involving Nafiu Bala Gombe are fuelling the current unrest.
He said the dispute began with an agreement between the party’s legacy leadership and emerging blocs to allocate positions across geopolitical zones.
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“The agreement with the legacy party was to cede certain positions to them from each geopolitical zone,” Abbo said. Under this arrangement, Nafiu Bala, a former Deputy National Chairman, was to be appointed National Vice Chairman for the North-East.
Abbo alleged that the new leadership disregarded the arrangement, instead installing Babachir David Lawal in the role.
He accused Lawal of arrogantly claiming that Bala “is a small boy to be given a National Vice Chairman in a zone that has the former Vice President and former SGF.”
According to Abbo, Bala rejected an alternative position offered to him, perceiving it as disrespectful, which he said prompted moves to “bring down the whole ADC roof.”
The former senator warned that the fallout has widened internal divisions and attracted external political interests seeking to destabilise the party.
He urged ADC leaders to respect prior agreements and engage in dialogue to restore unity and stability.
