The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged a plot by powerful figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate its leadership structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on X on Tuesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed that the alleged plan involves pressuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise a factional figure, Nafiu Bala, as the party’s National Chairman.
According to Abdullahi, the move is part of a broader attempt to weaken opposition forces and “impose President Tinubu on Nigerians as the sole presidential contender in 2027.”
“The ADC has uncovered a desperate and sinister plot allegedly being orchestrated by powerful figures within the APC to pressure INEC into recognising a certain Nafiu Bala as the National Chairman of the ADC,” the statement read.
The party further alleged that the effort to destabilise its leadership is being driven by “an APC governor in collaboration with a senior security official based in Abuja,” though no names were mentioned.
Describing the development as a threat to democratic pluralism, the ADC said the alleged interference is aimed at creating confusion within the party and undermining its credibility as an opposition platform.
“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,” Abdullahi stated.
The party maintained that Nafiu Bala had previously been expelled for actions inconsistent with its constitution and leadership decisions, adding that any attempt to impose him on the party would be resisted.
The ADC also referenced internal processes that led to its current leadership structure, noting that a joint meeting of its National Working Committee and National Executive Committee had transferred leadership to a coalition led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola in 2025, a move it said was recognised by INEC.
Reaffirming its stance, the party called on members of the public and its supporters to disregard any contrary claims regarding its leadership.
“We will resist them by all lawful democratic means. We will defend our democracy,” the statement added.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the APC nor INEC had issued an official response to the allegations.
