Secret Talks Uncovered: African Democratic Congress In Quiet Negotiations With New Democratic Coalition

According to sources cited by Saturday Sun, the talks were initiated as tensions continue over unresolved leadership disputes within the party.

At the centre of the conflict is Nafiu Bala Gombe, the party’s former Deputy National Chairman, who is currently in court seeking to be recognised as the National Chairman—a claim being strongly opposed by the party’s current leadership.

Records show that Gombe had earlier submitted a resignation letter dated May 17, 2025, stating his intention to step aside to allow for restructuring and coalition-building. Following this, the party formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which acknowledged the update.

Subsequently, at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on July 29, 2025, and monitored by INEC, David Mark was confirmed as National Chairman, while Rauf Aregbesola emerged as National Secretary. INEC initially updated its records to reflect this leadership structure.

However, Gombe later challenged the arrangement at the Federal High Court in Abuja, claiming that the resignation letter attributed to him was forged. The party leadership has dismissed this allegation, maintaining that the resignation was valid. Notably, no formal criminal complaint has been publicly filed regarding the alleged forgery.

INEC’s stance has also drawn attention. After initially recognising the new leadership, the commission later suspended that recognition in April 2026, citing a Court of Appeal preservation order secured by Gombe’s legal team. INEC has since argued in court that completed actions cannot be reversed by injunctions and that internal party disputes should not be subject to judicial interference.

Amid the ongoing uncertainty, insiders say several senior ADC figures have begun advanced exploratory talks with the NDC as a contingency plan should the crisis persist. While no official decision has been announced, discussions are said to be progressing.

The NDC’s National Leader, Seriake Dickson, has publicly positioned the party as a welcoming platform for politicians affected by instability elsewhere, warning that weakening opposition parties could threaten Nigeria’s democracy.

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied any involvement in the ADC crisis. Its spokesperson, Felix Morka, described the situation as an internal issue, while other party officials also rejected claims that the APC is fueling instability among opposition groups.

On the other hand, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi has accused the ruling party of attempting to weaken opposition platforms, warning that such developments could push Nigeria toward a one-party system if left unchecked.

The crisis comes at a critical time for the ADC, as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum. With party primaries expected soon, observers warn that the unresolved leadership dispute could pose serious legal and procedural challenges.