The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling party of attempting to manipulate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Nafiu Bala Gombe as its national chairman, describing the move as a deliberate effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement on Monday, the party’s publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that the alleged plot aims to create confusion within opposition ranks and ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the sole viable presidential contender in 2027.
Abdullahi emphasized that there is no leadership dispute within the ADC, noting that David Mark remains the party’s legitimate national leader. This follows a combined meeting of the party’s National Working Committee and National Executive Committee in July 2025, which was witnessed by INEC officials. The electoral commission formally recognized the Mark-led leadership in September 2025.
The ADC further cited a Federal High Court ruling that dismissed a lawsuit challenging Mark’s leadership, reaffirming that internal party disputes are matters to be resolved within the party framework rather than through external interference.
The party also highlighted that Nafiu Bala Gombe is an expelled member who previously claimed to serve as deputy national chairman under former chairman Ralph Nwosu. According to ADC, Gombe was removed for engaging in actions inconsistent with the party’s constitution. The party warned that any attempt to impose expelled individuals on its leadership would be strongly resisted.
“Efforts to infiltrate or weaken opposition platforms threaten Nigeria’s democratic system as the country approaches the next general elections,” the statement added.
The ADC insisted that maintaining a united opposition is critical to ensuring a competitive political environment in Nigeria, cautioning that external interference in party leadership could undermine democratic processes. The party reaffirmed its commitment to uphold internal structures, legal frameworks, and the mandate of its duly recognized leadership as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
