The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Presidency of orchestrating a campaign to destabilize the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. This accusation surfaced as three party members filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legitimacy of the interim leadership led by Senator David Mark.
On the same day, Ralph Nwosu, the immediate past national chairman, expressed concerns that the opposition coalition could disintegrate due to infighting and competing interests if not carefully managed.
Significant political shifts continue as Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, resigned from the APC, and Salisu Lawal Uli, former Katsina State PDP chairman, declared his support for the ADC. Additionally, PDP BoT member Adamu Waziri defected to the ADC, citing the party’s declining credibility.
Last week, a coalition of opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and Nasir el-Rufai, assumed control of the ADC, positioning it as the opposition’s main platform for the 2027 presidential race. The ADC’s founding chairman, Nwosu, subsequently declared the party’s structure collapsed.
ADC Alleges Intimidation and Coercion by Presidency
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, claimed that the Presidency is using intimidation against party members. He alleged that key figures from the North-East and North-West were summoned to secret meetings with senior federal officials, not for national security but to pressure them into supporting a scheme against the opposition.
Abdullahi stated, “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.”
He further warned that such actions threaten Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, potentially leading to a one-party state. Abdullahi called on President Tinubu to act, reminding him of the importance of democratic tolerance.
No Presidential Ticket Talks Yet
Abdullahi clarified that the ADC is not currently discussing its presidential ticket, focusing instead on building a viable alternative for Nigerians. A senior party source emphasized the importance of internal competition and accountability, noting, “We want internal competition to bring out the best candidates. A party that avoids competition internally will struggle in general elections.”
Court Challenge Over Party Leadership
Three ADC members—Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila—have filed a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of the interim leadership. The suit questions whether the appointments of Senator Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Bolaji Abdullahi comply with the ADC constitution and seeks a declaration that their appointments are unconstitutional.
Nwosu: Coalition’s Success Depends on Discipline
Ralph Nwosu, now chair of the ADC’s integrity committee, highlighted the coalition’s potential to rescue Nigeria but warned that its success depends on discipline and shared values. He explained that the executive’s resignation followed extensive discussions and was not a hasty decision.
Nwosu rejected claims that the ADC was sold to powerful politicians, emphasizing his financial and personal commitment to the party. He supported the new leadership and stressed that all candidates would undergo retreats to reflect on their political journeys.
He also addressed concerns from the Obidient movement, assuring that the coalition’s manifesto would remain central regardless of the presidential candidate.
Series of High-Profile Defections
Babachir Lawal’s resignation from the APC was confirmed in a letter dated June 29, where he stated his intention to announce his next political move soon. Salisu Lawal Uli left the PDP, criticizing its leadership and pledging to continue his struggle within the ADC. Adamu Waziri, a founding PDP member, also defected, citing the need to restore democratic values. The PDP Ward Chairman, Malam Muhammad Bomai, accepted Waziri’s resignation and also joined the ADC.