The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of mounting pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in an alleged attempt to destabilize the opposition party following the recent defection of former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the party claimed that the ruling government had intensified efforts to weaken the ADC after Kwankwaso’s move reportedly boosted the party’s political momentum and attracted interest from other prominent political figures.
The statement, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that some individuals were attempting to use legal pressure to compel INEC to interfere in the internal affairs of the party.
According to the ADC, a letter dated March 28, 2026, written by a group of Senior Advocates of Nigeria and purportedly representing an expelled member of the party, is being used to push INEC to invalidate certain decisions taken by the party’s leadership even before the courts have concluded deliberations on the matter.
The party described the move as a coordinated attempt to destabilize the leadership of the ADC currently led by former Senate President David Mark.
ADC officials argued that the legal request was based on what they called a “curious interpretation” of a Court of Appeal ruling regarding the concept of “status quo ante bellum,” which refers to restoring a situation to the state it was before a dispute arose.
The statement further alleged that the lawyers behind the letter threatened the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, with arrest if their demands were not met within seven days.
According to the party, the demands include invalidating party meetings, removing recognized officials, and handing over the affairs of the party to a specific individual whose claims to leadership the party disputes.
The ADC also addressed the claims of Nafiu Bala Gombe, who has challenged the party’s leadership structure. The party maintained that Gombe was never the national chairman of the ADC and stated that he had earlier resigned his position alongside other members of the National Working Committee before eventually being expelled from the party.
The party argued that any attempt to recreate a leadership structure that places him as national chairman would be based on what it described as a fictitious status quo.
ADC said the controversy reflects a broader political effort to weaken the party at a time it claims to be gaining traction as a credible opposition platform.
According to the statement, the defection of Kwankwaso has unsettled the ruling political establishment and triggered renewed political pressure aimed at discouraging other high-profile politicians from joining the party.
The party therefore called on INEC to remain guided by the Constitution and resist any form of pressure.
ADC also warned that it would resist any attempt to interfere with its internal affairs using all constitutional means.
The party insisted that the issue goes beyond internal politics and touches on the broader principle of democratic competition in Nigeria.
Abdullahi said Nigerians must be allowed to freely align with political parties of their choice without intimidation or manipulation of institutional processes.
