The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that powerful figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are plotting to destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections by pressuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise a different leadership within the opposition party.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC claimed the alleged plan involves recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe, whom the party described as an expelled member, as its National Chairman.
According to the party, the alleged move is part of a broader effort to weaken the opposition and pave the way for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to emerge as the only viable presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
The party further alleged that the plot is being driven by a governor of the ruling party in collaboration with a senior security official based in Abuja.
The ADC maintained that Bala Gombe was expelled from the party for actions that violated its constitution and leadership decisions.
It said Gombe had previously claimed to be the party’s Deputy National Chairman under former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu but was removed after what the party described as activities inconsistent with its principles.
The party alleged that some political actors are now attempting to use him to create confusion within the ADC by promoting what it described as illegitimate leadership claims.
“The objective is clear: to manufacture confusion within the ADC, sponsor illegitimate leadership claims, and ultimately cripple the only credible opposition platform Nigerians are increasingly looking to as a genuine alternative,” the statement said.
The ADC also reaffirmed that its leadership structure was formally transferred in July 2025 following a combined meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC).
According to the party, the meeting was witnessed by officials of INEC and resulted in the emergence of a leadership coalition led by former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola.
The party said INEC formally recognised the leadership in September 2025.
It also noted that a Federal High Court recently dismissed a case challenging Mark’s leadership, affirming that issues relating to party leadership remain internal matters of political parties.
The ADC called on party members, the public, and democratic institutions to disregard what it described as attempts to impose an expelled member on the party.
The party warned that any effort to manipulate the internal structures of opposition parties would undermine Nigeria’s democratic system.
“The ADC remains united, focused, and committed to building a strong democratic alternative for Nigerians. No amount of intimidation, infiltration, or political engineering will derail this mission,” Abdullahi said.
