The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to destabilise its leadership through a sponsored protest in Abuja, describing the move as a desperate attempt to undermine the party’s growing influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party alleged that after failing to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) into taking what it described as “illegal actions” against its leadership, agents of the APC had resorted to mobilising a protest to create artificial public pressure.
According to the ADC, the planned protest, scheduled for Thursday, April 2, is allegedly being sponsored by a “notorious minister” with the aim of influencing INEC and legitimising a leadership dispute currently before the courts.
“The plan is simple: a paid crowd, posturing as aggrieved party members, will take to the streets demanding ‘David Mark Must Go,’. This, they hope, will create public pressure on the INEC Chairman to recognise an individual who has since resigned and been expelled from the party,” the party stated.
The ADC further claimed that the protest is designed to “give oxygen to a case already suffocating in the courts under the weight of its own illegality,” insisting that the alleged efforts are part of a broader agenda to hijack the ADC’s leadership structure.
The ADC said the development follows what it described as heightened political tension triggered by the recent defection of former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the party, a move it said has unsettled the ruling party.
Describing the alleged plot as “real and increasingly desperate,” the coalition party maintained that it would not be intimidated, vowing to resist any attempt to subvert its internal processes through lawful means.
“They are not just afraid of our momentum; they are afraid of what happens when Nigerians begin to believe that change is possible,” the party stated.
While reiterating its commitment to the rule of law, the ADC warned against any actions capable of undermining democratic institutions, urging INEC to remain impartial and guided strictly by constitutional provisions.
The party also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, stating: “If these actions are not being carried out on his orders, the President should rein in his enforcers before it is too late.”
The ADC insisted that despite the alleged intimidation tactics, it remains focused on providing a credible opposition platform and advancing its political agenda in the interest of Nigerians.
