A fresh twist has emerged in the ongoing leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as factional National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe announced a sweeping change to the party’s eligibility criteria ahead of the next general elections.
In a controversial directive that could significantly reshape the party’s internal dynamics, Gombe declared that any aspirant above the age of 55 would no longer be eligible to contest for political office under the ADC platform. The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications, particularly for the party’s presidential primaries, where several experienced politicians may now be disqualified.
Gombe made the announcement during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined what he described as a bold move to promote generational change within Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to him, the policy is aimed at creating opportunities for younger Nigerians to participate actively in governance and leadership.
“We will give youths a chance. If you are over 55 years, you are not going to contest in the ADC,” Gombe stated during the broadcast.
The directive, which is already generating debate within political circles, effectively excludes a significant number of established politicians, many of whom fall within the older age bracket traditionally dominant in Nigerian politics. Analysts say the move could alter the balance of power within the party and influence its strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supporters of the policy argue that it reflects a long-overdue shift toward youth inclusion in governance, a demand that has gained traction in recent years. They note that Nigeria has a predominantly youthful population, and giving younger candidates a stronger platform could lead to more innovative and responsive leadership.
However, critics within and outside the party have raised concerns about the legality and practicality of such a restriction. Some argue that imposing an age limit of 55 may conflict with provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, which sets minimum age requirements for political offices but does not impose upper age limits.
The announcement comes at a time when the African Democratic Congress is grappling with internal divisions and a prolonged leadership tussle. The emergence of a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe has intensified disputes over the party’s leadership structure and direction.
The faction has continued to challenge the legitimacy and tenure of former national chairman Ralph Nwosu, further complicating efforts to unify the party ahead of future elections.
Political observers note that the new eligibility rule could also be interpreted as part of a broader strategy by the Gombe-led faction to consolidate control within the party by reshaping its candidate pool.
The policy is expected to impact not only presidential aspirants but also those seeking other elective positions under the ADC banner, depending on how broadly the directive is applied.
For younger politicians and first-time aspirants, the move may present a rare opportunity to compete at higher levels without facing stiff competition from more experienced figures. However, it also raises questions about inclusivity and whether age-based restrictions could inadvertently sideline capable and experienced leaders.
The development has already sparked conversations across political platforms, with many Nigerians weighing in on the merits and drawbacks of the decision. While some view it as a progressive step toward empowering youth, others see it as a potentially divisive policy that could deepen existing fractures within the party.
As the African Democratic Congress continues to navigate its internal challenges, the impact of this new directive remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the decision has added another layer of complexity to the party’s evolving political landscape and could play a defining role in shaping its future trajectory ahead of the next general elections.
