African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised fresh concerns over what it described as a calculated attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, alleging a plot to impose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate.
In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said it had uncovered “a desperate and sinister plot” allegedly being orchestrated by influential figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate its leadership structure.
According to the ADC, the alleged scheme involves pressuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise one Nafiu Bala as the party’s National Chairman.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has uncovered a desperate and sinister plot 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,” the statement read.
The party described the move as “a brazen attempt to undermine and destabilise the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections,” alleging that it is being driven by “an APC governor in collaboration with a senior security official based in Abuja.”
ADC further claimed that the ultimate goal of the alleged plot is “to impose President Tinubu on Nigerians as the sole presidential contender in 2027.”
At the centre of the controversy is Nafiu Bala, whom the party identified as an expelled member. The ADC stated that Bala had been removed for actions inconsistent with its constitution and leadership decisions but has continued to present himself as a party figure.
“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 in a plot to forcefully take over the leadership of the ADC,” the statement added.
The party maintained that its leadership structure remains intact and legally recognised, citing decisions taken by its National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), which were observed by INEC officials.
It said the process led to the emergence of a leadership team headed by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola in July 2025, which was subsequently acknowledged by INEC in September of the same year.
ADC also referenced a recent court ruling affirming its leadership structure. “Most recently, on March 6, a Federal High Court dismissed a case challenging Mark’s leadership of the party, affirming the well-grounded Supreme Court judgment that matters of leadership are wholly an internal affair of political parties,” it stated.
The party expressed concern over what it called “anti-democratic forces,” accusing them of attempting to manipulate both judicial and electoral institutions.
“Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive where the ruling party seeks to capture, infiltrate, or manufacture opposition parties for its own political convenience and survival,” the statement warned.
Calling on the public and democratic institutions to reject Bala’s claims, the ADC said it would resist any attempt to destabilise its structure.
“We know them and their game plans, and we will resist them by all lawful democratic means. We will defend our democracy,” the party declared.
Reaffirming its position, the ADC said it remains committed to providing a credible alternative for Nigerians despite what it described as ongoing intimidation and political interference.
“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.”