The Gombe State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has officially denied reports that the residence of Nafiu Bala, a factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was set ablaze in Gombe State. The clarification came from the command’s public relations officer, Buhari Abdullahi, who dismissed the claims as false and urged the public to ignore them. According to the police, no such incident has been recorded anywhere in the state, and they emphasized their commitment to maintaining peace and security across Gombe.
In a statement, the Gombe State Police Command said it “categorically debunks the false information” alleging that Bala’s house was burned. The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, mnips, fwc, psc(+), called on citizens to remain calm and not be misled by misinformation. He stressed that the police remain vigilant and ready to respond to any threats to public safety, even as they continue to investigate and monitor political developments in the state.
Meanwhile, Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of the ADC, has weighed in on the ongoing leadership crisis within the party. Speaking on Thursday, Kachikwu stated that neither David Mark, the factional national chairman, nor Nafiu Bala, the former national vice-chairman, holds a legitimate claim to the party’s leadership. His comments followed a recent Supreme Court ruling that sent the leadership dispute back to the Federal High Court for further hearing and determination.
The apex court had previously vacated an order from the Court of Appeal that had directed the parties to maintain the status quo. Kachikwu argued that this decision does not validate either faction, reinforcing his position that the party’s leadership remains contested and unresolved. He called for unity and adherence to legal processes, urging members to avoid actions that could further divide the party or incite violence.
The ADC leadership tussle has been a source of tension in recent months, with both Mark and Bala claiming control over the party’s structure and activities. While the police have now dismissed the fire incident as false, the political dispute continues to unfold in the courts. The outcome of the Federal High Court proceedings will likely determine the future direction of the ADC and its ability to function cohesively ahead of upcoming elections.
As the legal process moves forward, political observers are closely watching how the party will navigate this crisis. The situation underscores the importance of legal resolution over confrontation, especially in a country where political disputes can quickly escalate into public unrest. The ADC leadership dispute remains a significant issue in Nigeria’s political landscape, with implications for party cohesion and electoral prospects.
Leave a Comment