Power Struggle Erupts In Gombe ADC Ahead Of 2027 Elections

Tension Grips Gombe ADC as Pantami, Dan-Barde Camps Battle for 2027 Control

Power struggle over party leadership reveals deeper political ambitions

The Gombe State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has erupted into a fresh political battleground, adding a new twist to Nigeria’s evolving power struggles. While the surface narrative suggests a leadership tussle, according to iReporter Online, the real fight is a proxy war between two heavyweight political camps positioning themselves for the 2027 governorship election—one quietly associated with former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, and the other championed by businessman-turned-politician, Muhammad Jibrin Barde (Dan-Barde).

Leadership Quarrel or Proxy War?

At the centre of the controversy are Malam Auwal Abba Barde and Mr. Danladi Yau—each claiming to be the legitimate chairman of the ADC in Gombe. Barde, who has led the party for close to a decade, says he remains in charge, while Yau insists Barde’s tenure expired years ago and that he is the INEC-recognised chairman.

But beyond the internal wrangling lies a deeper political game. According to iReporter Online, Barde is aligned with Pantami’s broader political strategy, acting as a loyal political operative and working to preserve a viable platform should Pantami need an alternative to the APC come 2027. Insiders say the former minister is “not leaving anything to chance,” exploring multiple routes to remain relevant ahead of the next election cycle.

Conversely, Yau is widely seen as representing Dan-Barde’s interests. Though recently sacked as ADC state secretary by Barde’s faction, Yau continues to assert his authority, working to retool the party into a political springboard for Dan-Barde, who is growing disillusioned with the PDP’s internal crises.

This dynamic—Pantami’s silent push through Barde versus Dan-Barde’s assertive presence via Yau—explains why both men are refusing to back down. Each understands that control of the ADC, however modest in size, could be a strategic asset in coalition talks or as a backup platform for an independent run.

Expulsions and Escalation

The conflict deepened when Barde announced the expulsion of Nafiu Bala, who controversially declared himself the national chairman of ADC. Barde also removed three state officials—Danladi Yau among them—for alleged anti-party activities.

“By parading himself as national chairman, Nafiu Bala has created confusion and division. Such behaviour is harmful to our party,” Barde said during a press briefing.

But Yau hit back almost immediately, flanked by loyalists and brandishing documents he claimed prove his legitimacy. “Barde’s tenure ended in 2019. He was expelled in 2022. He has no basis to claim leadership of this party anymore,” Yau stated.

The result is a fractured party where local members are torn—some backing Barde, others loyal to Yau. Political analysts believe the chaos may even be deliberate. According to iReporter Online, both Pantami and Dan-Barde are benefiting from the confusion, using it to weaken rival structures while shoring up their own influence quietly.

The 2027 Calculus

Pantami’s political activities since leaving office in 2023 have been anything but subtle. He has increased his visibility through grassroots empowerment, mosque-based outreach, and close collaboration with influential clerics. Though officially an APC member, Pantami’s involvement in ADC—via Barde—offers a fallback option should APC politics grow unfavourable.

Dan-Barde, meanwhile, remains a formidable opposition figure in Gombe politics. After his unsuccessful 2023 bid against Governor Inuwa Yahaya, he has begun repositioning for another run. With the PDP in disarray, keeping ADC as a political contingency through loyalists like Yau gives Dan-Barde added leverage heading into 2027.

For both camps, ADC isn’t necessarily the goal—it’s the lever. Whether as a negotiating chip or an emergency launchpad, the party’s structure is now a critical tool in the high-stakes race for Gombe’s top seat.

Fragmented Future or Fresh Force?

Caught in the crossfire are everyday ADC members, many of whom are growing frustrated by the lack of clarity. “Instead of building an alternative platform, the party is becoming a pawn,” lamented a former ward chairman in Akko LGA. “We are gaining new members, but if this internal war continues, we could lose them all.”

Still, both camps claim progress. Yau is pushing a mass registration campaign across Gombe’s 114 wards, aligning it with the national Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). Meanwhile, Barde’s camp says it is “cleaning house” and expelling saboteurs. The end result is a party that appears more embattled than united.

Despite the infighting, one rare point of agreement has emerged: both factions now support David Mark’s national leadership of the ADC and have united to disown Nafiu Bala and his loyalists. Beyond that, reconciliation appears distant, and the party’s identity crisis persists.

ADC’s Role in 2027 Still Unclear

With court battles likely on the horizon, the ADC’s immediate future may be determined by legal rulings. But the political damage may already be done. As Pantami and Dan-Barde focus on consolidating power, the ADC risks going into 2027 not as a viable contender, but as a fragmented spoiler.

What’s clear, according to iReporter Online, is that the party is no longer just a footnote in Gombe politics. It now mirrors the ambition of two of the state’s most influential actors, each hoping to outmaneuver the other. Whether ADC becomes a stepping stone, a bargaining chip, or a casualty will depend on who gains the upper hand in the coming month.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”