The national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has refuted a report alleging that Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe expressed regret over his involvement in the party’s ongoing crisis and claimed his life was under threat.
The report said to have quoted Hon. Nafiu Bala through an associate identified as Nafiu Umaru, suggested that the politician was reconsidering his stance while facing security concerns.
However, the ADC, in a statement released by the Chief of Staff to its National Chairman, Hon. Bala Sani Kumo, dismissed the claims as untrue and described the publication as a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The party further rejected assertions that Bala’s life was in danger, characterising such claims as fabricated and intended to attract public sympathy while weakening his legal standing.
Kumo said: “The attention of the National leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been drawn to a publication attributed to one Ben Tanko, titled “I Regret My Role in ADC Crisis, My Life Is in Danger”, purportedly quoting Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe through an alleged associate.
“We state categorically that the said publication is false, malicious, and a calculated attempt to malign the character and integrity of Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe.
“Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe has not, at any time, granted an interview or authorized any statement expressing regret over his lawful pursuit of his constitutional right to lead the African Democratic Congress following the resignation of Chief Ralph Nwosu on 2nd July 2025. He has not instructed any “Nafiu Umaru” to speak on his behalf.
“Hon. Nafiu Bala remains firmly committed to the pending matter before the Federal High Court. He has not indicated any intention to withdraw the suit or to seek reconciliation outside the due process of law. Any claim to the contrary is fabricated.
“There is no credible threat to the life of Hon. Nafiu Bala or his family. The insinuation of danger is a deliberate falsehood designed to generate public sympathy and discredit his legitimate claim.
“Hon. Nafiu Bala has not accused Hon. Leke Abejide of abandonment or inducement. The attempt to drag the name of respected political figure into this fiction is mischievous.
“It is with deep regret that the party addresses the current situation occasioned by the withdrawal of Hon. Leke’s membership from the African Democratic Congress. The departure of the party’s leader and its sole duly elected member of the House of Representatives for over 15 years constitutes a significant loss to the ADC.
“Hon Leke’s decision to exit the party was compelled by the calculated efforts of the coalition members to usurp the party’s structure and instigate discord within its ranks. The African Democratic Congress acknowledges and values his invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the party, which shall neither be forgotten nor ignored.
“At no time has Hon. Nafiu Bala demanded or expected political compensation. His position is grounded in the ADC Constitution, specifically Articles 8(2) and 9(4), and not in personal inducements.
“This publication is nothing more than political propaganda aimed at confusing the public and prejudicing the ongoing judicial process. We urge the general public and the media to disregard it in its entirety.
“Nafiu Bala Gombe remains resolute in his pursuit of justice through lawful means. He will address the public at the appropriate time and through proper channels.
“Meanwhile, we advise the author and sponsors of this falsehood to desist from further defamatory publications. Legal remedies will be explored if this smear campaign continues.”
