Internal Crisis Exposed: Nafiu Gombe Identifies Key Figures Behind ADC’s FCT Election Failure

 

​The political dust following the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections is far from settling, as internal friction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has burst into the public eye. On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the ADC chairmanship candidate for the Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Nafiu Gombe, broke his silence regarding the party's disappointing performance at the polls. In a blistering assessment, Gombe pointed fingers at specific internal elements, accusing them of sabotage and a lack of genuine commitment to the party's success in the nation’s capital.

​For political observers in Abuja, the ADC was once seen as a formidable "third force" capable of challenging the dominance of the APC and PDP. However, the post-election post-mortem suggests that the party was defeated not just by external rivals, but by a "house divided against itself."

​The Blame Game: Sabotage from Within

​During a press conference in Abuja, Nafiu Gombe was explicit in his frustrations. He alleged that certain high-ranking members of the ADC at both the state and national levels worked against the interests of the party's candidates. According to Gombe, the failure of the ADC in the FCT was a "manufactured crisis" orchestrated by those who prioritized personal gains over the collective victory of the party.

​"We went into the field with high hopes, but we realized late that our greatest enemies were within," Gombe stated. He noted that the lack of logistical support, financial transparency, and a unified campaign structure made it nearly impossible for candidates to compete effectively in the various area councils, including Gwagwalada, Bwari, and AMAC.

​Lack of Grassroots Funding and Support

​A major point of contention highlighted by Gombe was the perceived abandonment of candidates by the party leadership during the peak of the campaign. He claimed that while candidates were on the ground engaging with voters, the party hierarchy failed to provide the necessary "ammunition" to protect votes and mobilize supporters across the FCT’s 62 wards.

​This lack of support allowed the two major parties to dominate the narrative and the polling units. Gombe’s revelation suggests that the ADC’s struggle was a symptom of a larger structural decay where "mercenary politicians" infiltrate smaller parties to act as spoilers for the highest bidder.

​The Impact on Gwagwalada and Beyond

​In Gwagwalada, where Nafiu Gombe was the standard-bearer, the ADC had initially enjoyed significant momentum among the youth and non-indigene populations. However, the internal bickering led to a fragmented campaign. Gombe explained that the "betrayal" led to a low turnout of ADC supporters who felt discouraged by the party's lack of cohesion.

​The ripple effect was felt across the FCT. From Kuje to Abaji, ADC candidates faced similar hurdles, leading to a near-total wipeout of the party in the final results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

​Moving Forward: A Call for Reforms

​Despite the loss, Hon. Nafiu Gombe isn't calling it quits. Instead, he is demanding a total overhaul of the ADC’s FCT chapter. He urged the national leadership to investigate the conduct of specific officials and to "flush out the moles" before the next electoral cycle.

​For the ADC to survive as a credible alternative in 2027, Gombe believes the party must return to its founding principles of integrity and grassroots empowerment. He emphasized that the FCT election should serve as a wake-up call that "brand name" alone is not enough to win elections in Nigeria’s capital; it requires a unified and loyal machinery.

​Conclusion: Lessons from the FCT Polls

​The story of the ADC in the 2026 FCT elections is a cautionary tale for all growing political parties in Nigeria. It proves that internal loyalty is the bedrock of any successful campaign. As Nafiu Gombe continues to name those he believes are responsible for the party's downfall, the ADC faces a choice: purge its ranks and rebuild, or continue down a path of internal sabotage.