APC, Nigerian Government Plotting to Destabilise Opposition Party — ADC Chieftain

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Mukhtar Adnan, has alleged a calculated attempt to weaken opposition parties in Nigeria, describing the leadership crisis rocking the party as a threat to democratic principles.

Adnan, a former Kano State House of Assembly aspirant, made the claim in an interview with DAILY POST, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress and the government of interfering in the internal affairs of the ADC.

He explained that the crisis began after the party’s National Working Committee was dissolved and a new leadership emerged, with David Mark as chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as secretary.

According to him, the transition followed due process and was publicly formalised at the Yar’Adua Centre. However, the situation took a turn when a member of the dissolved committee, who had earlier submitted a resignation letter acknowledged by Independent National Electoral Commission, later claimed he never resigned.

Adnan said the individual subsequently approached the court, which ordered that the status quo be maintained. This, he noted, led to the removal of the names of Mark and Aregbesola from INEC’s portal, sparking the current confusion within the party.

Describing the development as suspicious, Adnan alleged that external forces were working to destabilise the ADC.

“It is obvious that the government and the APC are behind this plot. This is an abuse of democracy,” he said.

He further claimed that the crisis is driven by fear of a strong opposition ahead of the 2027 elections, alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wants a weakened opposition to secure an easy victory.

Despite the situation, Adnan expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating that it would uphold democratic values and protect the rights of political parties.

He warned that undermining opposition parties could have far-reaching consequences, stressing that no democracy can thrive without a strong opposition.

Adnan also criticised INEC’s role, arguing that the commission overstepped its bounds despite existing Supreme Court rulings that party leadership issues remain internal matters.

He questioned the commission’s actions, insisting that legal processes, not administrative decisions, should determine such disputes.

While acknowledging the ongoing crisis, Adnan said it has inadvertently boosted the ADC’s visibility and grassroots support across the country.

He urged party leaders to remain focused, develop a strong manifesto, and present credible candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adnan also took a swipe at members of the National Assembly, accusing some lawmakers of lacking integrity and failing to represent the interests of Nigerians effectively.