The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused powerful figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the party’s national chairman.
In a statement issued in Abuja, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi described Gombe, an expelled former deputy national chairman, as a “willing instrument of destabilisation” aimed at weakening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party insisted that its leadership remains under Senator David Mark, officially recognised by INEC in September 2025 and affirmed by a Federal High Court ruling.
“The objective is clear: to manufacture confusion within the ADC, sponsor illegitimate leadership claims, and ultimately cripple the only credible opposition platform Nigerians are increasingly looking to as an alternative,” the statement said.
According to the ADC, Gombe’s alleged recognition is part of a broader scheme by elements within the ruling establishment to undermine opposition platforms and secure President Bola Tinubu’s dominance in the upcoming election.
The party warned that such interference threatens democratic pluralism and vowed to resist any attempt to manipulate its internal structures.
“We know them and their game plans, and we will resist them by all legitimate means. We will defend our democracy,” the statement said.
