The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Presidency of plotting to destabilise the newly strengthened opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This allegation surfaced as three aggrieved party members filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking the removal of the Senator David Mark-led interim leadership of the ADC.
Meanwhile, key political figures such as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, and former Katsina PDP Chairman, Salisu Lawal Uli, have exited their respective parties, pledging allegiance to the ADC-led coalition.
In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Interim National Publicity Secretary and National Coalition Spokesperson, the ADC warned of attempts by the Presidency to intimidate and co-opt its members.
“We have credible intelligence that the aim of this meeting is not for national security or peace-building. It is to intimidate, coerce, and if possible, co-opt these individuals into a fabricated scheme against the opposition coalition. This is not politics. This is sabotage.”
Abdullahi emphasized that the ruling APC is shaken by the opposition’s momentum.
“The July 1 coalition declaration and the July 2 unveiling of the ADC have rattled the ruling party. It is now obvious that the Tinubu administration, having lost the trust of the Nigerian people, cannot withstand the pressure of a united and credible opposition.”
He accused the government of reverting to old strategies.
“But rather than correct its ways, it has resorted to its old playbook of destabilising opposition parties.”
Appealing directly to President Tinubu, he stated:
“We call on President Bola Tinubu to take note of these sinister moves by some of his appointees and call them to order. The President needs to prove to Nigerians that he is, indeed, a democrat.”
“He needs to remind his men that if the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was as intolerant and as subversive of the opposition, the APC would not have come to power in 2015 and he would not have been a president today.”
Abdullahi further declared: “Let it be clear: the coalition movement is an idea whose time has come.”
“This party belongs to every Nigerian who is tired of the lies, the manipulation, and hardship. It belongs to every Nigerian who wants to restore decency, vision and justice to governance.”
“We would, therefore, not allow a handful of desperate men to turn Nigeria into a one-party dictatorship. And it would be our patriotic duty to resist it with every democratic means available to us.”
Abdullahi clarified that the party is not yet discussing its presidential ticket.
“We’re not having any of those conversations right now. That will come later. For now, we’re focused on building the party to offer Nigerians a viable alternative.”
A senior party source added: “We want internal competition to bring out the best candidates. A party that avoids competition internally will struggle in general elections.”
“We’re not banking on voter frustration to win. We want to return to a political system where leaders are held accountable after elections and the party has the authority to discipline them.”
Some party members, Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila, have gone to court to contest the legality of the interim leadership appointments.
They argue that Senator Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and Bolaji Abdullahi are in breach of the party’s constitution.
They want the court to determine: “Whether or not the appointment of the 4th, 5th, and 6th Defendants as Interim National Chairman, National Secretary, and National Publicity Secretary of the 1st Defendant was made in breach of the provisions of the ADC Constitution, 2018 (as amended)… and whether the 2nd Defendant can lawfully recognize the 4th, 5th, and 6th Defendants as the Interim National Chairman, Interim National Secretary, and Interim National Publicity Secretary of the 1st Defendant…”
No court date has been set for the hearing.
Former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu, now chair of the party’s Integrity Committee, expressed concern that the coalition could implode if not handled with discipline.
“We’re in a political climate where it seems that if you’re corrupt and have stolen public funds, all you need to do is switch parties and your sins are forgotten. Is this the kind of legacy we want to leave for the next generation?”
He rejected claims that the party had been sold out to political heavyweights.
“I’ve invested billions of naira in this party since it began because I believed the political system was failing in leadership. My children studied at the best universities; Imperial College, Stanford, and Columbia, yet they can’t come back to Nigeria. Do you think I would trade their future for money?”
On the appointment of new interim leaders, Nwosu defended their credibility:
“Senator Mark is a man of dignity, discipline, and commitment. His leadership reflects these values. Aregbesola is one of the simplest and most integrity-driven individuals you’ll meet.”
He emphasized that: “Anyone who wants to run for any position, whether for president or any other office, has agreed to attend these retreats. We’ll confront our past mistakes and the erosion of values.”
Responding to the Obidient movement’s expectations: “We have many potential candidates: Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Atiku Abubakar, and others. Even if none of them becomes the candidate, our manifesto will remain the foundation of our movement.”
