The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that influential figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) are attempting to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise a factional chairman within the opposition party.
In a statement released on Monday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party had become aware of efforts to promote Nafiu Gombe as the party’s national chairman despite his alleged expulsion from the party.
Abdullahi explained that Gombe, who previously claimed to be Deputy National Chairman during the tenure of former party leader Ralph Nwosu, was removed from the party for actions said to be inconsistent with its constitution and leadership decisions.
According to the ADC spokesperson, the alleged plot aims to create confusion within the party, sponsor illegitimate leadership claims, and weaken what he described as a credible opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abdullahi further stated that a joint meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) held in July 2025 transferred the party’s leadership to a coalition led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. He noted that this leadership arrangement was formally recognised by INEC in September 2025.
He also revealed that a Federal High Court ruling on March 6 dismissed a case challenging Mark’s leadership, reaffirming that internal party leadership issues remain largely within the jurisdiction of political parties, consistent with previous judgments of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Abdullahi urged party members, the public, and democratic institutions to respect the ADC’s recognised leadership and ignore claims from individuals not authorised by the party. He added that the party remains committed to strengthening internal democracy and presenting Nigerians with a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
