The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over what it describes as a plot by elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilise the party and manipulate the upcoming 2027 presidential race.

In a statement on Monday, the ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused an unnamed APC state governor and a senior security official of collaborating with certain judicial and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials to engineer leadership confusion within the ADC.

According to the party, a former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, who was expelled for alleged anti-party activities, is being backed to assume the national chairmanship through court interventions.

Senator David Mark currently serves as the ADC National Chairman recognised by INEC.
Abdullahi said, “This is a calculated attempt to weaken the only credible opposition platform in Nigeria, creating a pathway for President Bola Tinubu to emerge as the sole viable candidate in 2027.”

The ADC described Bala’s court challenge as illegitimate, noting that a Federal High Court dismissed a case contesting Mark’s leadership on March 6, 2026.

The party also cited a Supreme Court ruling affirming that leadership matters remain internal affairs of political parties.

“The ruling party’s interference represents a dangerous assault on democratic pluralism and the constitutional rights of Nigerians,” the statement added. “We urge the public, party members, and democratic institutions to disregard the claims of Mr. Nafiu Bala and those supporting his agenda. We will resist any attempt to undermine our party by all legitimate means.”

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to building a strong democratic alternative, asserting that intimidation and political engineering will not derail its mission.