RismadarVoice Reporters
March 17, 2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that influential figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are plotting to destabilise its leadership structure in a bid to weaken opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a press statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed that there were attempts to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) into recognising Mr. Nafiu Bala Gombe, described by the party as an expelled member, as its National Chairman.
According to the ADC, the alleged move is part of a broader plan to create internal confusion within the party and limit credible political competition in the next presidential election.
The party maintained that its leadership remained under Senator David Mark, following what it described as a properly constituted meeting of its National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) in July 2025, which was witnessed by INEC officials. It added that the electoral body formally acknowledged the leadership in September of the same year.
The statement also referenced a recent Federal High Court ruling which reportedly dismissed a suit challenging Mark’s leadership, affirming that party leadership matters are largely internal affairs.
ADC further alleged that external political interests were attempting to sponsor parallel leadership claims in order to weaken what it described as a growing opposition platform.
The party said it would employ all legitimate means to resist any attempt to undermine democratic pluralism in Nigeria.
Calling on party members, supporters and democratic institutions to disregard the claims of Mr. Gombe, the ADC stressed that it remained united and committed to building a strong alternative political platform ahead of future elections.
The APC and INEC had not issued official responses to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
