Presidency, ADC Trade Words Over Alleged Plot to Make Tinubu Sole 2027 Presidential Candidate

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to engineer a political crisis that would leave President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the only serious contender in the presidential race.

The party alleged that the plan involves pressuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, an expelled member of the ADC, as the party’s national chairman. According to the ADC, the move is aimed at destabilising the party and weakening the opposition ahead of the elections.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the alleged plot as a deliberate attempt by forces within the ruling establishment to create confusion within the ADC, which he called the only viable opposition platform left in the country following crises in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).

The party insisted that its leadership remains firmly under Senator David Mark, following a joint meeting of its National Working Committee and National Executive Committee held in July 2025 in the presence of INEC officials.

ADC further claimed that the alleged attempt to destabilise the party is being driven by an APC governor in collaboration with a senior security official in Abuja. The party warned that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic process and vowed to resist any effort to impose leadership on it.

The statement argued that attempts to infiltrate or manipulate opposition parties undermine democratic pluralism and deny Nigerians the freedom to support credible political alternatives.

Presidency dismisses allegation

Responding to the accusations, the Presidency dismissed the claims as unfounded.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the issues raised by the ADC were purely internal and had nothing to do with the ruling APC or President Tinubu.

“This is an ADC party matter. Let the party resolve its internal issues and stop making wild accusations against the APC and President Tinubu,” Onanuga said, adding that INEC would address matters relating to party leadership recognition if necessary.

APC blames PDP crisis for defections

Meanwhile, the APC has attributed the recent wave of defections from the PDP to the opposition party’s internal crisis.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the PDP had become dysfunctional and could no longer serve as a credible political platform. Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise TV, he argued that politicians joining the APC should be seen as an endorsement of the ruling party rather than evidence that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state.

According to him, Nigeria’s political realignments since the 2023 elections reflect shifting loyalties among politicians seeking a more stable political platform.

In recent months, several PDP members — including Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal — have defected to the APC, raising the ruling party’s number of governors to 31 out of 36 states. The development has left the PDP with only two governors in Oyo and Bauchi states.

PDP rejects APC claims

However, the PDP rejected Morka’s comments, describing them as “delusional propaganda.”

In a statement by Ini Ememobong, spokesperson for the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the party’s National Working Committee, the PDP argued that the defections were secured through pressure and inducement rather than genuine support.

The party insisted that despite the defections, Nigerians continue to reject the APC due to worsening economic conditions and governance challenges.

Dickson: Nigerians want change

Former Bayelsa State governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, also weighed in, saying many Nigerians are increasingly frustrated with the current situation in the country.

Speaking in Abuja during the unveiling of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) digital membership registration portal, Dickson said citizens were “angry and hungry for change.”

He described the NDC as a fresh political movement aimed at expanding participation and strengthening democratic engagement through a nationwide digital membership system.

Obi condemns attack on ADC office

Meanwhile, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the attack on an ADC office in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The incident occurred during the opening of the party’s local secretariat, when suspected political thugs reportedly disrupted the event, destroyed property and dispersed supporters.

In a statement posted on his X account, Obi described the incident as a dangerous assault on Nigeria’s democracy.

“What occurred at the ADC office in Bakassi is not merely an attack on a political party; it is an attack on democracy itself,” he said.

Obi warned that the growing tolerance of political violence and declining leadership standards could further undermine Nigeria’s democratic system, especially as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.