The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that there are moves to manipulate the leadership of the party through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by installing a figure believed to be an ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its national chairman.
In a statement released in Abuja, the party accused elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to interfere in its internal affairs by pushing for the recognition of a factional leader who the ADC says has already been expelled from the party.
The statement was signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who described the alleged move as a calculated effort to destabilize the ADC and weaken opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election. According to him, the individual being promoted for the position is Nafiu Bala Gombe, whom the party insists is no longer a member of the ADC.
Abdullahi alleged that influential political actors linked to the ruling party are trying to pressure INEC into recognizing Gombe as the legitimate national chairman of the ADC. The party argued that such interference would undermine democratic principles and violate the independence of political parties in Nigeria.
The ADC maintained that the leadership structure of the party remains valid and clearly defined, noting that its National Executive Committee and National Working Committee had already affirmed the current leadership during a meeting witnessed by representatives of the electoral commission in 2025.
According to the party, the alleged attempt to impose a new chairman is part of a broader strategy aimed at creating confusion within the ADC and weakening what it described as a growing opposition coalition ahead of the next presidential election.
The party further claimed that destabilizing the ADC could ultimately help ensure that President Tinubu faces minimal political resistance in the 2027 presidential race. It warned that such developments would threaten Nigeria’s democratic system, which relies on the existence of multiple political parties and competitive elections.
ADC officials insisted that any attempt to manipulate the internal affairs of the party would be resisted through legal and democratic means. The party also called on INEC to remain neutral and avoid being drawn into political disputes that could damage its credibility as an independent electoral body.
In addition, the ADC urged Nigerians and political stakeholders to remain vigilant and defend democratic institutions. The party emphasized that political competition and strong opposition are essential for the health of any democratic system.
As preparations for the 2027 general election gradually begin to take shape, political tensions between opposition groups and the ruling party appear to be increasing. Analysts believe that alliances and party realignments may play a major role in shaping the political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.
Despite the controversy, the ADC said it remains committed to strengthening its structure nationwide and working with other political actors who seek to build a credible alternative platform for Nigerians.
