The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has claimed it uncovered a scheme aimed at weakening the party to ensure that Bola Tinubu becomes the only presidential contender in the 2027 elections.
In a statement released by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that certain influential members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are behind the plan. It said these figures are allegedly attempting to influence the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the ADC’s national chairman.
According to the ADC, this effort is part of a wider attempt to create disorder within the party, disrupt its structure, and weaken it as a strong opposition platform. The party argued that the ultimate goal is to limit political competition, leaving Nigerians with little or no real alternative in the next general election.
The ADC insisted that its leadership remains valid and properly constituted. It explained that David Mark was appointed national chairman in July 2025 during a joint session of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), which was monitored by INEC officials. It added that the electoral body later confirmed this leadership in September 2025.
On the issue of rival claims, the party maintained that there is no legal justification for any dispute. It noted that shortly after Mark’s emergence, Gombe began presenting himself as chairman despite lacking official backing. The ADC also cited a Federal High Court decision delivered on March 6, which threw out a suit challenging Mark’s leadership and reaffirmed that leadership matters within political parties are internal affairs, consistent with an earlier Supreme Court ruling.
The party further stated that the alleged interference forms part of a broader political agenda involving key figures such as Rauf Aregbesola, who is associated with the party’s coalition leadership. It warned that attempts to impose leadership through pressure on electoral institutions or the judiciary pose a serious threat to democratic governance in Nigeria.
Reaffirming its stance, the ADC pledged to oppose any actions it described as undemocratic moves to weaken opposition politics. It stressed that a healthy democracy depends on fair competition and the presence of credible alternatives, not manipulation or dominance by a single political force.
The party concluded by warning that efforts by the ruling party to interfere in or control opposition groups could undermine citizens’ constitutional rights to freely support political alternatives. It added that such actions risk damaging confidence in the electoral system and could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.
