The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged a coordinated attempt to destabilize its leadership structure following the defection of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into the party.
In a statement released on March 31, 2026, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of attempting to interfere in the party’s internal affairs through pressure on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Ojo Amupitan.
Kwankwaso’s Defection Sparks Political Tension
According to the ADC, Kwankwaso’s entry into the party has unsettled the ruling party, prompting renewed efforts aimed at weakening opposition forces and discouraging other high-profile defections.
The party further alleged that a March 28 letter submitted by a group of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), reportedly acting on behalf of an expelled member, sought to compel INEC to invalidate key decisions of the party and alter its leadership structure before a final court ruling.
The ADC described the move as an attempt to impose what it termed a “curious interpretation” of a Court of Appeal judgment relating to the principle of status quo ante bellum, noting that the matter remains sub judice.
Alleged Threats to INEC
The party also claimed that the letter threatened the INEC chairman with arrest if the demands were not met within seven days. According to the ADC, this amounted to an attempt to force the electoral body into taking sides in an internal party dispute.
The party emphasized that the individual at the center of the controversy was neither a former national chairman nor a current member, stating that he had resigned alongside members of the National Working Committee and was subsequently expelled.
ADC Raises Concerns Over Opposition Suppression
The ADC argued that the alleged actions reflect growing anxiety within the ruling party over the opposition’s rising appeal.
“No amount of pressure, manufactured confusion, or distortion of legal processes will halt the momentum we are witnessing. The ADC is expanding, Nigerians are joining, and a credible opposition is emerging,” the statement read.
Call for INEC Neutrality
The party urged INEC to remain neutral and guided strictly by constitutional provisions, stressing that the issue goes beyond partisan politics and touches on Nigerians’ democratic rights.
The ADC maintained that protecting political plurality and ensuring free competition among parties remain critical to Nigeria’s democratic development, particularly as political alignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
What This Means
- Kwankwaso’s defection may reshape opposition dynamics ahead of 2027
- ADC claims ruling party is uneasy over growing opposition coalition
- Legal battle over party leadership could escalate
- INEC neutrality now under scrutiny
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