The African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the leadership of its National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has unequivocally distanced itself from any form of support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election ambition, reaffirming its identity as a resolute opposition party.
At the same time, the party formally inaugurated its zonal and state congress as well as appeal committees across the country, a move it described as a bold step towards strengthening internal democracy and organisational discipline.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Sunday, the 4th of January, 2026, in Abuja, was presided over by Bala Gombe, who said the exercise was designed to deepen the party’s democratic foundations and ensure transparency at every level of its structure.
Addressing party leaders and members at the event, he explained that the committees were constituted to supervise the organisation and conduct of congresses at the zonal, state, local government and ward levels, in line with the party’s constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“It is with great honour and humility that I stand before you today to address the inaugural session of the Zonal and State Congress and Appeal Committees of the African Democratic Congress.
“We are gathered here to mark a significant milestone in the history of our great party. The establishment of these committees is a testament to our commitment to strengthening the party’s structure and ensuring that the voices of our members are heard at all levels.”
Bala further noted that the committees were entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing constitutional compliance, implementing approved congress guidelines and upholding electoral rules, including voting procedures, ballot management and declaration of results.
He urged party faithful to remain united and focused on building a credible alternative political platform anchored on justice, equity and fairness, while calling on leaders at all levels to empower members and provide purposeful direction.
In a firm political statement, the ADC chairman also disowned claims linking the party to support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
“I want to categorically distance the leadership of the ADC from the statement credited to Hon. Leke Joseph Abijide in support of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
“That statement does not reflect the position of the African Democratic Congress as a determined opposition party. We clearly reject any association with it and reaffirm our stance as a strong force in Nigeria’s political space.”
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated committees, the Chairman of the Congress Committee for the North-West geopolitical zone, Abimikun Monday, described the development as a turning point for the party.
“This marks a milestone in our efforts to reposition the leadership of the ADC across all strata.”
READ ALSO: ADC Faction Releases Timetable, Guidelines for 2025/2026 Congresses, Nat’l Convention
He said the assignment given to the committee was a clear indication of the trust reposed in it by the national leadership, praising Bala for his determination to rebuild the party despite internal challenges.
Monday assured that the committee was fully prepared to discharge its duties in accordance with the law.
“Our duty is to oversee the planning and execution of zonal, state and local government congresses in line with the ADC constitution, approved guidelines and the Electoral Act of Nigeria.”
Also speaking, the Kaduna State Chairman of the ADC, Sani Aliyu Mohammed, declared the party’s readiness to pursue power through democratic and lawful means.
“We will do everything within our power, from the state level down to the local governments, to ensure effective organisation and success.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the ADC becomes the new name and the new anthem on the lips of every Nigerian from 2027 onward. This is a promise we are making, and we will exhaust all legal and legitimate options to actualise this vision.”
He expressed appreciation to party members for their continued support and reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to delivering fully on the mandate given to the committees.