The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has faulted the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting the commission should have recognised Nafiu Bala Gombe as national chairman.

Wike, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, made the remarks during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, where he also cautioned against joining political parties plagued by internal crises.

According to him, while INEC’s decision to withhold recognition of any faction within the ADC may appear neutral, the electoral body should have acted in line with the court position by recognising Bala Gombe.

“In my own opinion, INEC, by that judgment, ought to have recognised Bala Gombe as the ADC national chairman,” Wike said.

The minister, however, noted that the ADC should consider itself fortunate that INEC has chosen not to recognise any of the contending factions until the matter is resolved in court.

“ADC should be happy that INEC said, ‘Look, we are not going to recognise any of you until you sort your matter in court,’” he added.

Wike also used the opportunity to restate his political stance, declaring that if he ever decides to leave the PDP, he would be cautious about aligning with parties experiencing internal instability.

“If I am to join another party, I will be very careful not to join a political party that has internal crisis ab initio,” he said, adding that such parties lack strong institutional foundations compared to the PDP.

The comments come amid a deepening leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress, which has led to multiple claims to its national leadership.

INEC recently removed the names of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively.

The electoral commission also stated that it would not recognise Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman through the courts. INEC further announced the suspension of recognition for all factions within the party and said it would not monitor any conventions or congresses organised by the rival groups pending the final determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.

In response, the ADC accused INEC of acting in violation of the law and taking sides in its internal leadership dispute.