Factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has ordered party officials across the country to submit their membership registers by November 12, 2026, following a court ruling that invalidated the David Mark-led caretaker leadership.
In a directive issued on November 8, Titiansloaded reports that the faction instructed ward chairmen to forward hard copies of their membership records to their respective local government chairmen.
The local government officials are then expected to compile the documents and send them to their state secretariats before onward delivery to the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
He warned that the deadline would not be extended, describing the exercise as necessary for the party’s revalidation, planning and administration.
The registers are to be submitted at the ADC National Secretariat, No. 4, Miriam Ikejiani Clarke Crescent, Guzape District, Abuja.
Gombe also urged candidates seeking elective positions under the party to continue their campaigns despite the uncertainty created by the leadership dispute.
He cautioned them against being distracted by pressure from the coalition group, insisting that the recent judgment should not weaken their electoral activities.
The directive comes after a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, nullified the David Mark-led caretaker committee.
The court held that the process through which the committee emerged breached provisions of the ADC constitution, the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.
The ruling also invalidated decisions taken by the disputed leadership, including the process that reportedly produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s 2027 presidential candidate.
The emergence of former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary and other appointments made under the committee were also affected.
Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), had instituted the suit challenging the caretaker committee’s emergence.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has yet to announce its position on the judgment. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the commission would first obtain and study the Certified True Copy of the ruling before deliberating on the matter.
He added that INEC would comply with any subsequent court order, including an injunction staying the execution of the judgment if one is issued.
