ADC Vows to Resist Plot to Make Tinubu 2027 Sole Candidate, Alleges Attempt to Impose ‘Bala’ as Chairman

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to resist attempts to clear the path for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to emerge as the sole presidential contender in the 2027 race by fragmenting opposition parties ahead of the next electoral cycle.

It is alleged that powerful figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are orchestrating a covert plot to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) into recognising a controversial figure, Nafiu Bala, as the National Chairman of the opposition party.

In a statement released on Monday by the National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the alleged move as “desperate and sinister,” claiming it is aimed at destabilising the party and weakening the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the party, the alleged scheme is being driven by an unnamed APC governor working in collaboration with a senior security official based in Abuja. The ADC claimed the individuals are attempting to manipulate internal party structures by lobbying and pressuring INEC to formally recognise Bala as its national chairman.

The party warned that such interference, if true, would represent a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the independence of the electoral umpire.

“This brazen attempt to undermine and destabilise the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections is reportedly being driven by an APC governor in collaboration with a senior security official based in Abuja, as part of a plot to impose President Tinubu on Nigerians as the sole presidential contender in 2027,” the statement said.

The ADC warned that Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive where the ruling party seeks to capture, infiltrate and manufacture opposition parties for its own political convenience and survival while calling such a dangerous assault on democratic pluralism and the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

It warned the public to disregard the activities of Mr Nafiu Bala Gombe and those backing his illegitimate adventures as it will resist them and their game plans.