ABUJA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged a plot by the Presidency to destabilise the emerging opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party claims the move is a response to its growing momentum as a credible political force.
In a statement issued on Monday, ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that senior federal officials summoned former ADC state executives from the North-East and North-West to a secret meeting aimed at coercing them into working against the coalition.
“We have credible intelligence that this meeting is part of a sabotage plot, not a national security initiative,” Abdullahi stated. “This is a direct assault on Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.”
The ADC accused the Tinubu administration of reverting to intimidation tactics instead of embracing reforms. It urged President Bola Tinubu to rein in those allegedly working to sabotage the opposition, warning that such actions threaten to return Nigeria to a one-party state.
“The July 1 coalition declaration and the unveiling of ADC as a platform on July 2 clearly rattled the ruling party,” Abdullahi said. “But rather than reform, they’re trying to destroy the opposition. We will resist this democratically.”
Aggrieved Members Sue Mark, Aregbesola Over Party Takeover
Amid the tension, three ADC members—Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila—have dragged Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Bolaji Abdullahi to court, challenging their appointment as interim leaders of the party.
The plaintiffs claim the new leadership violates the ADC’s constitution and a subsisting court judgment. They have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to declare the appointments unconstitutional and to void the recent party takeover.
Nwosu Warns of Coalition Collapse if Interests Clash
Speaking on TVC’s FCT Brief, former ADC Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, acknowledged the coalition’s potential to reshape Nigeria’s politics but warned that clashing interests and undisciplined political blocs could undermine it.
He defended the coalition’s legitimacy, saying the ADC’s handover followed over a year of internal discussions. He also denied selling the party, stating, “I’ve invested billions in this party. My commitment isn’t for sale.”
Nwosu described Senator Mark and Aregbesola as disciplined leaders and revealed that all aspirants must attend retreats to reflect on their past political roles before seeking office under the coalition.
Defections Rock APC, PDP as Prominent Politicians Join ADC
Meanwhile, high-profile defections are reshaping the political landscape:
- Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a new political direction.
- Salisu Lawal Uli, ex-chairman of the PDP in Katsina State, quit the party and declared for the ADC, criticising PDP’s internal decay and lack of discipline.
- Adamu Waziri, a founding PDP member and Board of Trustees (BoT) figure, also defected to ADC, citing the need for democratic renewal. His resignation triggered the defection of his PDP ward chairman, Malam Muhammad Bomai, who also joined ADC.
Waziri described his move as “difficult but necessary,” urging his political allies to follow him into the new opposition platform.
ADC: No Presidential Candidate Yet
While speculation continues around who might emerge as the opposition’s presidential candidate, the ADC clarified that no discussions on ticket allocation have begun.
“We are focused on building a strong, transparent party. Leadership selection will come later through competitive internal processes,” a senior party source said.
Former Chairman Nwosu echoed the sentiment, saying the coalition isn’t built around one individual. “Whether it’s Obi, Atiku, Kwankwaso, or Amaechi, our movement is grounded in a shared manifesto for national reform,” he said.
As Nigeria edges toward the 2027 elections, the battle lines between the ruling APC and the expanding opposition front are sharpening, with the ADC now at the center of a reinvigorated effort to challenge the status quo.
