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) into recognising Mr. Nafiu Bala Gombe, an expelled member of the party, as the ADC National Chairman.
The party described the alleged move as part of a broader scheme aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections and ensuring that 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 destabilise 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 its National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), witnessed by INEC officials in July 2025, transferred leadership of the party to a coalition led by Mark and former governor Rauf Aregbesola.
He added that INEC formally recognised the new leadership in September 2025.
Bolaji further noted that a Federal High Court ruling on March 6 dismissed a suit challenging Mark’s leadership, affirming a Supreme Court position that matters relating to party leadership are internal affairs of political parties.
The ADC national publicity secretary alleged that the plan involves backing Mr. Nafiu Bala Gombe—an expelled member who once claimed to be Deputy National Chairman under former party chairman Ralph Nwosu—to destabilise 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, though not surprising, that elements within the ruling establishment are now attempting to use him as a willing instrument of destabilisation to forcefully take over the leadership of the ADC,” the statement said.
The party argued that the alleged objective is to manufacture a leadership crisis within the ADC, sponsor illegitimate claims, and weaken the opposition ahead of the next general election.
The ADC warned that Nigeria’s democracy would be endangered if the ruling party attempts to infiltrate or manipulate opposition parties for political advantage.
It therefore called on party members, the public, and democratic institutions to disregard what it described as the activities and claims of Gombe and those supporting him.
The party also vowed to resist any attempt to undermine 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.