The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to interfere in its leadership structure ahead of the 2027 presidential election, a claim rejected by the Presidency.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said there were efforts to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, an expelled member, as the party’s national chairman.
The ADC said it would resist any such move, insisting there was no dispute over its leadership, maintaining that the party remains under the leadership of David Mark following a joint meeting of its National Working Committee and National Executive Committee in July 2025, which it said was observed by INEC officials.
According to the statement, the alleged actions were aimed at creating internal divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 election cycle, which includes deadlines for submission of party membership registers and the conduct of primaries.
Reacting, the Presidency dismissed the allegation through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga saying that the matter was internal to the ADC.
“This is an ADC party matter. Let the party resolve its internal issues,” he said, adding that INEC would address any issues relating to party recognition.
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Separately, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said recent defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reflected internal challenges within the opposition party.
Speaking on television, he said movements into the APC should be seen as political decisions by individuals rather than evidence of a shift towards a one-party system.
The PDP, however, rejected that position. In a statement by its factional spokesman, Ini Ememobong, the party said the APC’s claims were inaccurate and maintained that it remained active in the political space.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi condemned an attack on an ADC event in Bakassi, Cross River State, where party supporters were dispersed and property damaged by suspected political thugs.
Obi described the incident as an attack on democratic activity and called for accountability.
Nigeria’s next general election cycle is expected to intensify in the coming months, with key deadlines set for party processes ahead of the 2027 polls.