ADC, Accord Factions, Sowore Dismiss Opposition Summit in Ibadan

The factional national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, has declared that the party was not involved in the recent National Summit of Opposition Political Parties held in Ibadan.

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The party also reassured members and supporters of its readiness to fully participate in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Public Affairs, Christopher Okechukwu, the ADC distanced itself from the gathering, describing it as an event attended by individuals pursuing personal political ambitions.

Okechukwu said the party remains committed to fielding credible candidates for all elective offices nationwide, in line with its constitutional mandate and democratic principles.

He said: “The duly constituted and legitimate National Leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under the tutelage of Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, hereby categorically disassociates itself from, and declares its non-participation in, the so-called National Summit of Opposition Political Parties convened in Ibadan.

“As a principled and formidable opposition party in Nigeria, the ADC refuses to align itself with, or lend credibility to, a coalition of disgruntled elements whose political desperation knows no bounds.

“These individuals have demonstrated that, in pursuit of their personal ambitions, they will stop at nothing, including acts capable of destabilizing the peace, unity, and stability of our nation.”

Meanwhile, former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has explained his decision to decline an invitation to the Ibadan summit, stating that Nigerians deserve “a genuine alternative, not recycled failure.”

In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Sowore said he rejected participation in what he described as a gathering of familiar political actors linked to Nigeria’s longstanding challenges.

“I was invited to attend the so-called ‘Opposition Summit’ in Ibadan, but I declined,” he said. “There is no need to pretend that the same men (and a few women) who held Nigeria to ransom for years, presiding over stagnation, corruption, and systemic decay, can suddenly reinvent themselves as champions of progress or defenders of the people.”

He added, “Not all Nigerians are suffering from amnesia.”

Sowore also made it clear that his party, the African Action Congress (AAC), would not be part of what he termed a political “charade.”

Similarly, a faction of the Accord Party led by its National Chairman, Chris Imumolen, has distanced itself from the Ibadan gathering, describing the use of the party’s identity as unauthorized and misleading.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Muktar Abdallah, the group demanded clarification from key political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Seyi Makinde, as well as the ADC and PDP, over what it described as the “unauthorized use” of its name and symbol.

The party, currently embroiled in a leadership tussle between factions led by Imumolen and Maxwell Mgbudem, insisted that its inclusion in the summit was deliberate and not accidental.

“This is not an oversight; it is a misrepresentation. The Accord Party will not be dragged into alliances it neither negotiated nor approved,” the statement said.

Imumolen also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the organisers of the summit to explain the circumstances surrounding the use of the party’s identity.

“You cannot borrow legitimacy by force. Those responsible must either explain themselves or prepare to defend their actions in court,” he warned.

The party added that failure to respond within the stipulated timeframe would lead to legal action against those involved.