The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over what it describes as a coordinated attempt by elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilise the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued Monday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that influential figures within the APC are pressuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the ADC’s National Chairman despite his expulsion from the party.
The ADC described the alleged move as part of a broader strategy to weaken opposition forces and create conditions that could leave Bola Tinubu as the sole viable presidential contender in 2027.
According to the statement, Mr. Gombe—who previously claimed to be Deputy National Chairman under former ADC leader Ralph Nwosu—was expelled for actions deemed inconsistent with the party’s constitution and leadership decisions. The party accused external political actors of now attempting to use him to manufacture a leadership crisis within the ADC.
The ADC maintained that its current leadership, headed by David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, remains valid and legally recognised.
It noted that the leadership structure emerged from a joint meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) in July 2025, an exercise reportedly witnessed by INEC officials and later formally acknowledged by the electoral body in September 2025.
The party further cited a Federal High Court ruling delivered on March 6, which dismissed a suit challenging Senator Mark’s leadership, reinforcing the position that party leadership disputes are internal matters.
Describing the alleged interference as “a dangerous assault on democratic pluralism,” the ADC warned against efforts to infiltrate or manipulate opposition platforms for political advantage. It called on the public and party members to disregard claims by Mr. Gombe and his supporters, insisting it would resist any attempt to undermine its structure.
Reaffirming its position, the party stated that a recent Court of Appeal decision in the ongoing leadership dispute did not alter its leadership, noting that the appeal was dismissed on procedural grounds without affecting the status of its current executives.
The ADC concluded by pledging to remain united and committed to presenting what it called a credible democratic alternative to Nigerians ahead of the next general elections.
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