ADC vows to fight alleged plot to make Tinubu sole presidential candidate in 2027

ADC vows to fight alleged plot to make Tinubu sole presidential candidate in 2027

Abuja (Core Reporters) The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused powerful figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Nafiu Bala Gombe, an expelled member of the party, as the national president of the ADC.

The party described the alleged move as part of a larger plan to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections and ensure Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the only serious presidential contender.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the alleged plot was a calculated attempt to create confusion within the ADC and destabilize what it described as one of the few viable opposition platforms in the country.

According to the party, there is no leadership dispute within its ranks, insisting that its leadership remains firmly under former Senate President David Mark.

Bolaji explained that a combined meeting of his National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), attended by INEC officials in July 2025, transferred the leadership of the party to a coalition led by Mark and former governor Rauf Aregbesola.

He added that INEC formally recognized the new leadership in September 2025.

Bolaji also noted that a Federal High Court ruling on March 6 dismissed a case challenging Mark’s leadership, affirming the Supreme Court’s position that matters relating to party leadership are the internal affairs of political parties.

The ADC national publicity secretary said the plan involves supporting Mr Nafiu Bala Gombe, an expelled member who once claimed to be national vice president under former party president Ralph Nwosu, to destabilize the party.

According to the statement, “Gombe was expelled for actions deemed inconsistent with the party’s constitution and the collective decisions of its leadership.

“It is therefore shocking, although not surprising, that elements within the ruling establishment are now attempting to use it as a willful destabilization tool to forcibly take over the leadership of the ADC,” the statement read.

The party argued that the alleged aim is to create a leadership crisis within the ADC, sponsor illegitimate claims and weaken the opposition ahead of the next general elections.

The ADC warned that Nigeria’s democracy would be endangered if the ruling party attempted to infiltrate or manipulate opposition parties for political gain.

He then called on party members, the public and democratic institutions to ignore what he described as the activities and claims of Gombe and those who support him.

The party also promised to resist any attempts to weaken its structure and pledged to defend democratic principles.

“The ADC remains united, focused and committed to building a strong democratic alternative for Nigerians. No amount of intimidation, infiltration or political engineering will derail this mission,” the statement added.