The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to manipulate the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, in a move the party claims is aimed at positioning President Bola Tinubu as the only serious contender for the presidency.
In a statement on Monday, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, alleged that some APC figures are pressuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, an expelled member of the ADC, as the party’s national chairman.
The opposition described this alleged scheme as part of a broader effort to create internal confusion within the ADC, weakening its credibility as a growing opposition platform
“At the centre of this scheme is Mr. Nafiu Bala Gombe, an expelled member of the ADC who has recently been parading himself as a leader of the party while collaborating with external political interests,” the statement said, noting that the plan is designed to remove obstacles for President Tinubu in the 2027 race.
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The ADC claimed that the plot is being driven by powerful actors within the ruling establishment, including an APC governor working with a senior security official based in Abuja.
Responding, APC National Director of Publicity, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the allegations, describing the ADC as “confused and jittery” ahead of the elections.
He insisted that the APC has no control over INEC and cannot influence the commission’s constitutional duties.
“The APC has no control over INEC; we do not dictate what INEC does. So how can the APC influence or pressure INEC in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities?” Ibrahim said.
He added that the claims reflect opposition anxiety and cited similar allegations previously made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) about APC interference, emphasizing that the ruling party would not interfere in opposition party affairs.
The ADC’s accusations centre on efforts they say are meant to eliminate competition and secure President Tinubu’s path to a likely uncontested run in 2027.
