The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over an alleged plot to destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the move is aimed at clearing the path for Bola Tinubu to emerge as the sole presidential candidate.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused some powerful figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to influence the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the party’s national chairman.
According to the ADC, the alleged move is part of a broader plan to create internal confusion, sponsor illegitimate leadership claims, and ultimately weaken the party as a viable opposition force.
The party insisted that its current leadership, headed by David Mark, emerged through a legitimate process during a joint meeting of its National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) in July 2025. The meeting, it said, was witnessed by INEC officials and later formally recognised by the electoral body in September 2025.
The ADC further noted that a Federal High Court ruling on March 6 dismissed a legal challenge against Mark’s leadership, reinforcing the position that party leadership issues remain internal affairs, as upheld by the Supreme Court.
The party also referenced the involvement of Rauf Aregbesola in the current leadership structure, describing it as part of a coalition formed to strengthen opposition ahead of the next general election.
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Raising concerns over what it described as “anti-democratic forces,” the ADC warned against attempts to manipulate political parties through external pressure on electoral bodies and the judiciary.
It stressed that Nigeria’s democracy depends on a strong and credible opposition, cautioning that any effort to undermine this balance would threaten democratic pluralism and limit voters’ choices in 2027.
The party vowed to resist any such interference using all legitimate means, reiterating its commitment to providing Nigerians with a credible political alternative.
