African Democratic Congress Accuses Federal Government of Destabilization Plot Following Kwankwaso Defection

The ADC claims the Federal Government is pressuring INEC to interfere in its leadership following Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso's defection to the party.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 5:59 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP News

Allegations of Executive Interference in Party Structure

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a formal accusation against the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government, alleging a coordinated attempt to destabilize the party’s internal operations. In a statement released by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party claimed that the ruling administration is exerting "mounting pressure" on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Ojo Amupitan. The ADC contends that this pressure is a mechanical attempt to force the electoral body into interfering with the party's established leadership structure, a move they describe as a violation of democratic norms.

Legal Maneuvers and the Role of Disgruntled Members

Central to the ADC’s allegation is a letter dated March 28, 2026, reportedly authored by a group of Senior Advocates of Nigeria. The party asserts that this legal correspondence was written on behalf of an individual they describe as an expelled member, Nafiu Bala Gombe. The ADC claims the letter seeks to compel INEC to interpret a recent Court of Appeal ruling in a manner that would strip current party officials of their recognition. The party further alleged that the document contained explicit threats against the INEC Chairman, aiming to force a reversal of previous administrative decisions that favored the current party hierarchy.

Clarification on Leadership and Expulsion Status

The ADC has moved to clarify the status of Nafiu Bala Gombe, dismissing his claims of leadership within the organization. According to the party’s official statement, Gombe is a former member who had previously resigned and was subsequently expelled; they maintain he was never the National Chairman of the ADC. By labeling him an outsider, the party leadership is attempting to delegitimize the legal basis of the pressure currently being applied to INEC. They argue that using an expelled member to trigger an electoral commission investigation is a tactical ploy to create internal friction where none exists.