The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken opposition parties to pave the way for President Bola Tinubu to run virtually unopposed in the 2027 general elections.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the claims during a Tuesday appearance on Channels Television. He insisted that the party would participate in the elections despite the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to stop recognising its leadership following a court order.
Abdullahi described the alleged campaign to destabilise opposition parties as part of a broader effort to consolidate power.
“They want a situation where, by 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be the only viable contestant. That is the agenda,” he said, adding that similar tactics have affected other parties, including the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP.
The leadership dispute in the ADC arose from a September 2025 Federal High Court suit in Abuja challenging the legitimacy of the party’s National Working Committee led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. The claimant argued he should assume leadership following the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, alleging that the resignation letter was forged. Abdullahi, however, maintained that the current leadership process was “clear” and “legal.”
Despite INEC’s action, Abdullahi expressed confidence that the judiciary would rule in the party’s favour, saying the ADC has complied with all legal requirements, including providing statutory notice for its congresses.
Rejecting calls by some opposition groups to boycott the 2027 elections, Abdullahi described such a move as surrender. “We will contest the 2027 election on the ADC platform. To boycott is to surrender,” he said, stressing the party’s commitment to multiparty democracy.
Abdullahi added that the APC’s dominance in governors’ offices and legislature does not reflect public support. He warned that allowing opposition parties to collapse would threaten Nigeria’s multiparty system.
“The ADC carries the hopes of millions of Nigerians seeking alternatives ahead of 2027. We will not disappoint them by stepping away from a process that could improve their lives,” he said.
