APC plotting to destabilise us ahead of 2027 — ADC

By Luminous Jannamike

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday accused powerful figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise an expelled member of the party, Mr. Nafiu Bala Gombe, as its National Chairman in what it described as a move that could destabilise the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said the alleged move is aimed at creating confusion within its ranks and weakening what it described as the only viable opposition platform left in the country.

According to the ADC, the situation could narrow the political choices available to Nigerians in the next election cycle.

The accusation was contained in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi.

The party, however, insisted that its leadership structure remains settled following decisions taken at a properly constituted meeting of its top organs.

“It may be worth reiterating that a properly constituted combined meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), witnessed by officials of INEC, transferred leadership to the coalition led by Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola in July 2025.

“This exercise was duly acknowledged by INEC with a formal recognition of the David Mark leadership in September 2025.

“And most recently, on March 6, a Federal High Court had dismissed a case challenging Mark’s leadership of the party, affirming a well-grounded Supreme Court judgement that matters of leadership is wholly an internal affair of political parties,” the ADC said.

Against that backdrop, the party said it had uncovered what it described as an attempt to interfere with its internal leadership structure.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has uncovered a desperate and sinister plot is allegedly being orchestrated by powerful figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) into recognising a certain Nafiu Bala as the National Chairman of the ADC.

“This brazen attempt to undermine and destabilise the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections is reportedly being driven by an APC governor in collaboration with a senior security official based in Abuja as part of the plot to impose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Nigerians as the sole presidential contender in 2027,” Abdullahi said.

At the centre of the controversy, the party said, is Mr. Nafiu Bala Gombe, whom it described as an expelled member who has been presenting himself as a leader of the party.

“Mr. Gombe, who once claimed to be Deputy National Chairman under the former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, was duly expelled from the ADC after engaging in actions that were inconsistent with the party’s constitution, its principles, and the collective decisions of its leadership.

“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 and plot to forcefully take over the leadership of the ADC.

“The objective is clear: to manufacture confusion within the ADC, sponsor illegitimate leadership claims, and ultimately cripple the only credible opposition platform that Nigerians are increasingly looking to as a genuine alternative, thereby leaving Nigerians no choice in the next general election, despite widespread suffering that the ruling party has brought on the people.

“Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive where the ruling party seeks to capture, infiltrate, or manufacture opposition parties for its own political convenience and survival. Such actions represent a dangerous assault on democratic pluralism and the constitutional right of Nigerians to freely organise and support credible political alternatives.

“We therefore call on the general public, party members, and democratic institutions to disregard the activities and claims of Mr. Nafiu Bala Gombe and those backing his illegitimate adventure.

“We know them and their game plans and we will resist them by all means necessary. We will defend our democracy,” Abdullahi said.

Despite the controversy, the opposition party said it remains united and focused on its political objectives.

“No amount of intimidation, infiltration, or political engineering will derail this mission,” he added.

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