Senator Ishaku Abbo has described the ongoing crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as self-inflicted, blaming party leaders for failing to honour internal agreements.
The former lawmaker said the prolonged leadership dispute stemmed from a breakdown of trust, particularly the alleged betrayal of Deputy National Chairman (North), Nafiu Bala Gombe.
According to Abbo, the crisis has persisted due to unresolved tensions among party leaders, with no clear path to reconciliation as stakeholders prepare for continued legal battles over the party’s leadership.
He explained that the conflict originated from an agreement on the sharing of party positions across geopolitical zones, which he claimed was not respected by the current leadership.
Abbo alleged that the arrangement initially allocated the position of National Vice Chairman for the Northeast to Gombe, but this was later altered.
He claimed that the leadership under David Mark instead appointed former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, to the role, triggering discontent within the party.
The senator further stated that remarks attributed to Lawal worsened the situation, describing them as dismissive and inflammatory.
He noted that Gombe rejected an alternative position offered to him, viewing it as disrespectful, a move that further deepened divisions within the party.
Abbo warned that the crisis could worsen if underlying issues such as trust, internal dialogue and adherence to agreements are not addressed, urging stakeholders to prioritise reconciliation.
Meanwhile, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf dismissed the ADC’s chances in the state, describing the party as politically weak and lacking grassroots support.
He expressed confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would maintain its dominance in Kano, adding that the ADC would not pose any significant challenge in future elections.
In a related development, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed to consider joining its platform instead of the ADC.
The party assured the governor of a stable political environment, free from internal disputes, as political realignments continue ahead of future elections.
