ADC Bars Aspirants Above 55 From Contesting Elections — Factional Chairman

The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that individuals above the age of 55 will no longer be eligible to contest elective positions on the party’s platform.

Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with the Hausa service of the BBC, explaining that the directive forms part of efforts to reposition the party and promote generational leadership in Nigeria’s political system.

According to him, the policy is aimed particularly at the party’s presidential primaries and is intended to open up opportunities for younger Nigerians to assume leadership roles ahead of the next general elections.

He stated that the move reflects the party’s determination to prioritise youth participation in governance and gradually shift the country’s political leadership to a younger generation.

“Under my leadership, anyone above the age of 55 will not be eligible to contest for office under the ADC. We are giving the youth their rightful chance to lead,” Gombe said during the interview.

He added that the decision was designed to challenge the dominance of older politicians in the country’s political space.

“It is time to show these elders, some of whom are between 75 and 90 years old, that the era of the youth has arrived,” he said.

Potential Impact on 2027 Politics

Political observers believe the policy could significantly reshape the party’s internal dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections, as it effectively excludes many established political figures who may have considered seeking the party’s presidential ticket.

The development also comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC. Gombe currently leads a faction of the party that continues to challenge the authority and tenure of former National Chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu.

Membership Dispute

Speaking further, Gombe maintained that some individuals currently presenting themselves as leaders of the party were not legitimately recognised members of the ADC.

He cited provisions of the party’s constitution, particularly Article 9, which outlines the procedures required to become a registered member.

“Article 9 of our constitution clearly outlines the procedure for becoming a registered member of the ADC. One cannot simply receive a membership card at an event and be declared a leader. Such an act is a direct violation of our constitutional process,” he said.

“Officially, these individuals are not members of our party because they did not follow due process.”

Position on Interim Leadership

Gombe also clarified his presence at a July 2, 2025 event where an interim leadership structure of the party was unveiled, led by former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola.

According to him, his attendance at the gathering did not amount to endorsing the interim leadership arrangement.

“I attended the event, but not with the intention of endorsing David Mark as our leader. My purpose was to support those adopting the ADC as the platform they would join to challenge the current administration,” he said.

Reaction to Kwankwaso Meeting

The ADC factional chairman also dismissed reports linking him to a meeting hosted by former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

He said the meeting involved other political figures, including David Mark and Musa Ungoggo, but stressed that he neither attended nor recognised decisions allegedly taken at the gathering.

“Regarding the meeting hosted by Kwankwaso, he invited David Mark, Musa Ungoggo and others to his home. However, any membership card signed by David Mark is illegal, as David Mark himself is not a recognised leader under our statutes,” Gombe stated.

“As the legitimate leader of the ADC, I am currently overseeing preparations for upcoming elections. Given the weight of this responsibility, I cannot simply be summoned to a private residence on a whim,” he added.

Allegations of Disrespect, Court Ruling
Gombe further alleged that some individuals within the party had attempted to undermine his authority, claiming they referred to him as a “small boy” and a “son of nobody.”

He also disclosed that the judiciary had already ruled on aspects of the leadership dispute, noting that an appeal filed by the opposing faction was dismissed.

According to him, the court imposed a fine of N2 million and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the names of the affected individuals from official records.
“The judiciary has already spoken. They appealed the case, but the court dismissed their appeal and fined them N2 million,” he said.

“Furthermore, the court directed INEC to remove their names and cease all communication with them regarding party affairs.”

Gombe added that lasting peace within the party would only be achieved if those involved complied with the party’s constitutional procedures.
“If they truly want peace within the party, they must go back and register through the proper legal channels,” he said.