“Thirteen Steps We Took Before Taking Over ADC,” — David Mark Group Reveals, Denies Forgery Claims

The faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) aligned with David Mark has released a detailed account of events it says led to its emergence as the party’s leadership, while firmly rejecting allegations of document forgery.

In a document signed by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi and circulated among senior party officials, the group stated that it followed a structured, multi-step process before assuming control.

“The document provides a chronological account of events that led to the current situation threatening the party’s survival,” the statement read.

According to the group, Nafiu Bala Gombe resigned as deputy national chairman (Governance and Legislation) on May 17, 2025, and was present at several key meetings that shaped the transition.

It said a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on May 15, 2025, under the leadership of Ralph Nwosu resolved that members of the National Working Committee should step down to allow a new coalition to take over.

“At that meeting, all members agreed to resign to pave the way for a broader transition process, with Nafiu Bala Gombe in attendance,” the document stated.

The group further disclosed that at an earlier meeting on March 27, 2025, the party waived its constitutional requirement of two years’ membership for new entrants into the National Working Committee.

It added that on July 2, 2025, the outgoing leadership formally agreed to hand over to a caretaker committee led by David Mark.

“The old National Working Committee met and resolved to hand over to a caretaker committee to be led by Senator David Mark,” the document noted.

The faction said it subsequently notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Gombe’s resignation on July 21, 2025, and that the commission acknowledged receipt.

It also stated that all party executives resigned collectively in August 2025 to enable the caretaker leadership to assume control.

“The decision was duly communicated to INEC, with Nafiu Bala Gombe in attendance, and he actively participated in the deliberations,” it said.

According to the document, a NEC meeting monitored by INEC later ratified the dissolution of the Nwosu-led executive and approved a caretaker committee headed by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.

On allegations that Gombe’s signature was forged, the group described the claims as unfounded, citing consistency across multiple documents.

“A comparative review of the signatures shows a clear and consistent pattern… There are no material deviations that would suggest forgery,” the statement said.

It added that spelling patterns in Gombe’s communications further support the authenticity of the documents.

“The repetition suggests a personal writing pattern rather than external fabrication,” it stated.

The group also pointed out that forgery is a criminal offence, noting that no formal complaint has been filed with law enforcement authorities.

Meanwhile, Gombe has continued to assert his claim to the party’s leadership, calling on INEC to recognise what he described as the legitimate structure of the ADC.

Speaking during a protest at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, he said: “You cannot come to the ADC through the window and expect to overturn the owners of the party.”

He added, “We insist that the commission recognises the legitimate leadership based on constitutional provisions, not external influence.”

In a separate interview with BBC Hausa, Gombe announced a new policy direction for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

“My focus is to ensure that no one over the age of 55 is a candidate for the ADC. It is high time the youths are given a chance,” he said.

He also dismissed allegations that he is being backed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing such claims as baseless.

On reconciliation efforts reportedly linked to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Gombe questioned their legitimacy.

“He is not a legitimate member of our party, so I cannot go to his house to discuss ADC matters,” he said.

The ADC remains embroiled in a leadership dispute, with both factions maintaining competing claims while INEC has yet to formally recognise either side.