The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its handling of the ongoing leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, April 3, 2026, Wike argued that the electoral umpire should have formally recognized Nafiu Bala Gombe as the party’s national chairman, citing existing court positions.
the FCT Minister, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed concern over INEC’s decision to remain neutral by withholding recognition from all contending factions. While acknowledging that neutrality might seem like the safe path, Wike insisted that the commission has a duty to follow judicial directives.
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“In my own opinion, INEC, by that judgment, ought to have recognised Bala Gombe as the ADC national chairman, Wike stated.
He further noted that while the ADC is “fortunate” that INEC has not completely delisted the party amid the chaos, the commission’s refusal to acknowledge the leadership supported by the court complicates the party’s legal standing.
Wike, known for his blunt takes on party internal democracy, used the briefing to caution politicians against joining or remaining in parties plagued by perpetual internal crises.
The ADC has recently been split between factions, with one side previously led by Senator David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and another led by Nafiu Bala Gombe. This week, INEC removed David Mark’s name from its portal following a Court of Appeal order, but stopped short of certifying Gombe as the substantive leader, effectively leaving the party in a leadership vacuum.
The leadership struggle intensified following the resignation of former party executives in 2025. Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former deputy national chairman and 2023 Gombe State governorship candidate, claimed the right to succeed the prior leadership—a position he maintains has been upheld by the courts.
The FCT Minister concluded by urging political parties to prioritize internal resolution mechanisms to avoid being orphaned by electoral regulators.