ADC claims APC figures are plotting to destabilise opposition and impose President Tinubu as unopposed candidate during 2027 election.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that powerful figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) are plotting to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the party’s national chairman.
The ADC described Gombe as an expelled member, insisting that any attempt to recognise him would be part of a broader plan to destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the party said the alleged move was aimed at weakening opposition platforms and ensuring that President Bola Tinubu emerges as the only serious presidential contender in 2027.
The statement was signed by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who described the development as a calculated attempt by elements within the ruling establishment to manufacture confusion within the party.
According to the ADC, there is no legal basis for any leadership dispute within the party.
It maintained that its leadership remains under Senator David Mark following a combined meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) held in July 2025 and witnessed by INEC officials.
The party said the electoral commission later formally recognised the David Mark-led leadership in September 2025.
The ADC also noted that a Federal High Court recently dismissed a case challenging Mark’s leadership of the party, affirming that leadership matters remain internal affairs of political parties.
The statement alleged that the plot to recognise Gombe as national chairman was being driven by political figures within the ruling establishment.
According to the party, Gombe had previously served as a deputy national chairman under former party leader Ralph Nwosu, but was expelled after actions deemed inconsistent with the party’s constitution.
“It is therefore shocking, though not surprising, that elements within the ruling establishment are now attempting to use him as a willing instrument of destabilisation,” the statement said.
The ADC alleged that the aim was to manufacture internal crisis within the party and weaken what it described as a growing opposition platform.
“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 an alternative,” the statement added.
The party further warned that attempts to infiltrate opposition parties would undermine democratic pluralism in Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive where the ruling party seeks to capture, infiltrate or manufacture opposition parties for its political convenience,” it said.
The ADC therefore called on party members, the public and democratic institutions to disregard the claims of Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The party also vowed to resist any attempt to manipulate its internal structure or impose illegitimate leadership.
“We know them and their game plans and we will resist them by all legitimate means. We will defend our democracy,” the statement concluded.