The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the opposition party alleged that powerful figures in the ruling establishment are attempting to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise an expelled member, Nafiu Bala Gombe, as the national chairman of the party.
The statement, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the alleged move as part of a wider plan to weaken the opposition and ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the only serious presidential contender in the 2027 election.
According to the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe had previously been expelled from the ADC for actions said to be inconsistent with the party’s constitution and internal decisions. The party alleged that he has continued to parade himself as a leader while working with external political interests.
ADC further claimed that the alleged plan involves attempts to create confusion within its leadership structure in order to destabilise the party.
The opposition party insisted that its leadership remains under former Senate President David Mark following a combined meeting of its National Working Committee and National Executive Committee held in July 2025 and witnessed by officials of INEC.
According to the statement, INEC formally acknowledged the David Mark-led leadership in September 2025. The party also cited a Federal High Court ruling delivered on March 6, which dismissed a case challenging Mark’s leadership and reaffirmed that internal leadership matters are the responsibility of political parties.
The ADC said it would resist what it described as attempts by “anti-democratic forces” to impose individuals on the party or manipulate its internal structure.
The party called on Nigerians, its members and democratic institutions to disregard the activities of Nafiu Bala Gombe and those backing him.
It added that it remains committed to building what it described as a strong democratic alternative for Nigerians ahead of future elections.
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