The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious allegations against the Presidency, claiming a deliberate plan to destabilize the rapidly expanding opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On the same day, three disgruntled ADC members filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking the removal of the interim leadership headed by Senator David Mark. This legal challenge coincided with a warning from the party’s immediate past national chairman, Ralph Nwosu, who cautioned that the newly established opposition coalition could unravel due to internal rivalries and competing political interests if not properly managed.
In related developments, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir Lawal, announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Additionally, Salisu Lawal Uli, former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State, declared his exit from the PDP and pledged allegiance to the Coalition of Nigeria Political Groups under the ADC umbrella. Similarly, PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) member Adamu Waziri defected to the ADC, citing a loss of credibility within his former party.
Last week, a significant political shift occurred when opposition leaders—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai—took over the ADC’s structure, positioning it as the main platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Following this, ADC’s founding National Chairman, Nwosu, declared the party’s previous structure dissolved.
ADC: Presidency Using Intimidation to Weaken Opposition
The ADC, through its Interim National Publicity Secretary and National Coalition Spokesperson Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that the Presidency is employing intimidation and coercion to weaken the opposition. Abdullahi claimed that former state chairmen and key members from the North-East and North-West were summoned to a covert meeting with senior federal officials. He asserted, “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 described the alleged actions as an assault on Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, warning they could pave the way for a one-party state. “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 stated.
He called on President Tinubu to rein in his appointees, reminding him, “He needs to remind his men that if the Goodluck Jonathan 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 emphasized that the coalition movement is “an idea whose time has come,” vowing to resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party dictatorship.
No Decision Yet on Presidential Ticket
Abdullahi clarified that the ADC is not currently discussing its presidential ticket, saying, “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 that the ADC aims to avoid the mistakes of older parties by ensuring internal competition and accountability: “We want internal competition to bring out the best candidates. A party that avoids competition internally will struggle in general elections.”
Legal Challenge Over Interim Leadership
Three ADC members—Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila—have taken legal action, questioning the legitimacy of the interim leadership and the process by which it was installed. The suit seeks a court declaration that the appointments of Senator Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Bolaji Abdullahi as interim leaders are unconstitutional and contrary to the ADC constitution.
Nwosu Warns of Potential Collapse
Ralph Nwosu, now chairing the ADC’s integrity committee, warned on TVC’s FCT Brief that the coalition’s success hinges on discipline and shared values. He revealed that the executive’s resignation was the result of over a year of deliberations, stating, “We had more than 12 NEC meetings, the motions were documented, and the process was supported.”
Nwosu dismissed claims that the ADC platform was sold, highlighting his personal investment in the party and commitment to reform. He also endorsed the new leadership, describing Senator Mark as “a man of dignity, discipline, and commitment,” and Aregbesola as “one of the simplest and most integrity-driven individuals you’ll meet.”
He stressed that all aspirants, including those from the Obidient movement, would attend retreats to reflect on their political journeys, saying, “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.”
High-Profile Defections
Former SGF Babachir Lawal’s resignation from the APC was formalized in a letter dated June 29, in which he stated, “I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the All Progressives Congress. In due course, I will make public my current political affiliations where I plan to join other compatriots to work towards making Nigeria a better living place for all its citizens.”
Alhaji Salisu Lawal Uli, former PDP chairman in Katsina State, also left the PDP, criticizing the party’s lack of accountability and pledging to continue his political struggle within the ADC.
Similarly, PDP BoT member Alhaji Adamu Waziri resigned, citing the need to restore democratic values and urging his associates to join him in building a vibrant democracy. The PDP Ward Chairman, represented by Malam Muhammad Bomai, accepted Waziri’s resignation with regret and also defected to the ADC.
