The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to destabilise the party following the defection of Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano state, formally joined the ADC on Monday, a move which observers say will change opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson of the ADC, alleged that the federal government is mounting pressure on INEC to interfere in the party’s leadership.
He said the move is part of efforts to weaken the ADC amid its growing influence as an opposition platform.
“The decision of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to join our party has understandably sent jitters through the ruling party,” the statement read.
Abdullahi alleged that the pressure on INEC is linked to a March 28 letter written by some senior advocates, purportedly acting on behalf of an expelled party member.
He said the letter is being used to push INEC to invalidate party decisions and alter its leadership structure before the courts reach a final verdict.
According to the ADC, the lawyers requested that INEC enforce what it described as a “curious interpretation” of a Court of Appeal ruling on the status quo.
The party also claimed that the letter threatened the INEC chairman with arrest if he failed to comply within seven days.
“They want INEC to invalidate party meetings, remove recognised officials, and hand over the affairs of the party to a specific individual, even though the case has not been fully decided,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC said the development reflects a broader attempt to destabilise what it calls “the only viable opposition party in the country.”
It dismissed the claims of the individual at the centre of the dispute, Nafiu Bala Gombe, stating that he was never the party’s national chairman.
The party said Gombe had earlier resigned alongside other members of the national working committee and had since been expelled.
It added that any attempt to reinstate him as chairman is unfounded.
“What we are witnessing is a convergence of legal pressure and political intent by a ruling party unsettled by the growing appeal of the ADC,” the statement said.
The ADC called on INEC to remain impartial and resist any form of external pressure.
“This is bigger than the ADC. It is about whether Nigerians can freely choose a different path,” Abdullahi said.
