ADC Alleges APC Plan to Impose Tinubu as Unopposed Presidential Candidate in 2027

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused powerful figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to ensure that Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges unchallenged as the sole candidate in the 2027 presidential election.

The party declared that it would strongly resist any such move in defence of Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the ADC alleged that the plan involves pressuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the party’s National Chairman, despite his expulsion.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the move as a calculated attempt by elements within the ruling establishment to create internal crisis and weaken what he called the country’s most viable opposition platform.

According to the ADC, there is no leadership dispute, maintaining that the party remains firmly under the leadership of David Mark. The leadership, it said, was affirmed during a joint meeting of its National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), witnessed by INEC officials in July 2025.

The party further stated that it would deploy all lawful means to resist what it described as efforts by anti-democratic forces to undermine opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

The statement alleged that the plot to destabilise the ADC is being driven by an APC governor in collaboration with a senior security official in Abuja, with the aim of imposing President Tinubu as the only presidential contender.

“At the centre of this scheme is Nafiu Bala Gombe, an expelled member who has been parading himself as a party leader while working with external political interests,” the statement said.

The ADC noted that Gombe, who once claimed to be Deputy National Chairman under former chairman Ralph Nwosu, was expelled for actions that violated the party’s constitution and principles.

Describing the development as “shocking, though not surprising,” the party accused elements within the ruling establishment of attempting to use Gombe to destabilise and hijack its leadership.

It added that the ultimate aim is to create confusion, promote illegitimate leadership claims, and weaken the opposition, thereby leaving Nigerians without a credible alternative in the next general election.

The ADC also reiterated that its leadership transition to a coalition led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola in July 2025 was properly conducted and officially recognised by INEC in September 2025.

The party noted that a Federal High Court ruling on March 6 further affirmed Mark’s leadership, reinforcing the legal position that party leadership remains an internal affair.

Questioning the motives behind the alleged interference, the ADC warned that democracy cannot thrive where the ruling party seeks to manipulate or weaken opposition parties.

“Such actions pose a serious threat to democratic pluralism and Nigerians’ constitutional right to freely organise and support credible political alternatives,” the statement said.

The party urged the public, its members, and democratic institutions to disregard claims by Nafiu Bala Gombe and his supporters.

“We are aware of their plans, and we will resist them by all legitimate means. We will defend our democracy,” the statement concluded.