- Safiu Kehinde
The factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has accused the former National Chairman of the party, Ralph Nwosu, of tricking him into attending his handing over of the party to David Mark and the coalition of opposition leaders.
Nafiu made this known during an exclusive interview with African Independent Television (AIT) on Monday.
The factional National Chairman of the party claimed he was never aware that Nwosu was handing over the entire structure of the party to the coalition.
He claimed that the ex-ADC leader only told him that the event was just an adpotion of new members into the party.
“On the day the coalition adopted the ADC, I was tricked to attend the handing over ceremony to David Mark.
“Ralph told me that it was just adoption of new members of the coalition movement.
“On the same day, Nwosu announced his resignation and appointed David Mark, Aregbesola and all other excos. I was not aware such will occur.” Nafiu said.
When asked on why he did make immediate move after realising the turn of event, the factional ADC leader claimed to have embarked on consultations before taking his next line action.
“One week after, I organised meeting with the remaining NWC and NEC members. We consulted across the country before taking any action.
“After consultations, I wrote to INEC as the Deputy National Chairman and remaining member of the National Workin Committee.
“I said I’m resuming office as the authentic Acting National Chairman of the party.” He said.
Nafiu disclosed being informed by the commission of his resignstiom as the Deputy National Chairman of the party which he claimed he never did.
He alleged that his signature was forged on the resignation letter.
This, according to him, prompted his lawsuit challenging David Mark’s leadership of the party.
“INEC told me I resigned as the Deputy National Chairman.
“When I found out that my signature was forged, I immediately filed a suite against the David Mark-led group and also briefed Nigerians through the media.” Nafiu said.
The suit had since thrown the ADC into deep leadership crisis with INEC de-recognising the Mark-led National Working Committee of the party in compliance with court’s order.