Politics

2027 Elections: Tensions Mount as APC, ADC Coalition Clash Over Northern Leadership Allegations

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 8th, 2025.

2027 Elections: Tensions Mount as APC, ADC Coalition Clash Over Northern Leadership Allegations

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 presidential election, political tensions are escalating between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Central to the dispute are allegations that President Bola Tinubu is targeting ADC leaders in the North East and North West in a bid to undermine the coalition and weaken its chances ahead of the polls.

The ADC, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Monday, accused the Tinubu administration of orchestrating a political crackdown against its northern leaders. The party contends that these actions are part of a broader strategy to erode opposition influence and consolidate a one-party system in Nigeria.

In response, APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, dismissed the allegations during an interview with The PUNCH. He questioned the legitimacy of the ADC’s interim leadership, labelling Abdullahi an impostor and arguing that the ADC must first receive formal recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before making such claims. APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, also weighed in, urging Nigerians to disregard Abdullahi’s statements, citing past instances where he allegedly admitted to making false claims.

Despite notable achievements under President Tinubu’s administration, including progress in key sectors, criticism continues to mount from opposition parties, which describe the APC-led government as ineffective and lacking direction.

In a significant political development on July 1, several prominent figures—including 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers)—convened in Abuja to formally adopt the ADC as the official platform for a united opposition coalition.

This strategic alignment follows ongoing leadership crises in major opposition parties such as the Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), which have hindered cohesive opposition efforts in recent years.

Legal Disputes Over ADC Leadership

Amid growing political maneuvering, internal disputes within the ADC have also spilled into the courts. Three party members have filed a petition at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to nullify the interim leadership of the ADC, currently headed by Senator David Mark. The plaintiffs argue that the appointments of the interim executives are inconsistent with the ADC Constitution (2018, as amended) and potentially violate an existing judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako on December 21, 2022 (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/1541/2022).

They are requesting the court to declare the appointments of the fourth, fifth, and sixth defendants as unlawful, unconstitutional, and therefore null and void. A hearing date is yet to be scheduled.

ADC Restructures in Jigawa State

In a related development, the ADC has taken steps to solidify its grassroots presence, beginning with a major restructuring in Jigawa State. Former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Ahmed Gumel, was inaugurated as the new state coordinator during a ceremony held at the ADC headquarters in Dutse on Monday.

In his inaugural address, Gumel reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape by offering a credible alternative to the ruling APC.

“We call on the people of Jigawa and all Nigerians to join hands with the party to build a better future,” he said, emphasizing the ADC’s vision for a united and prosperous nation.

According to Gumel, the ADC coalition is gaining momentum nationwide, attracting new members from diverse political backgrounds. He assured supporters of the party’s readiness to pursue democratic reforms and drive positive change across the country.

Earlier in the day, the previous state executive, led by Kabiru Hussaini, announced their decision to step down and dissolve all party structures in Jigawa’s 27 local government areas. Hussaini stated that the move was intended to facilitate a smooth transition of leadership to the new coalition-backed executives.

Reacting to the development, Bashir Adamu, a former PDP lawmaker and member of the House of Representatives for Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, and Yankwashi Federal Constituency, commended the leadership changes. He described the ADC coalition as a credible political force capable of challenging the APC’s dominance in 2027.

“The ADC coalition represents a fresh political alternative, with the capacity to attract high-profile politicians and foster nationwide support. It is well-positioned to reshape Nigeria’s po

litical trajectory,” Adamu stated.