By Our Reporter
Accusations have emerged against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of alleged plans to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general election, following a fresh crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The controversy deepened on Wednesday when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party from its official portal.
INEC also announced that it would suspend recognition of all factions within the ADC and refrain from monitoring any of the party’s conventions or congresses, pending the final determination of a suit before the Federal High Court.
The Commission clarified that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to emerge as national chairman through the courts, citing conflicting legal claims from rival factions within the party.
The development mirrors a pattern opposition figures say has played out in other major parties, including the Labour Party and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where internal crises and leadership tussles have allegedly been exploited or deepened to weaken their electoral strength.
Critics argue that the recurring disputes across opposition platforms point to a broader strategy to fragment dissenting voices, raising concerns about the credibility of the political space as the 2027 general elections approach.
The development mirrors a pattern opposition figures say has played out in other major parties, including the Labour Party and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where internal crises and leadership tussles have allegedly been exploited or deepened to weaken their electoral strength.
Critics argue that the recurring disputes across opposition platforms point to a broader strategy to fragment dissenting voices, raising concerns about the credibility of the political space
The decision follows a worsening leadership crisis in the ADC, further complicated by a recent ruling of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, as well as opposing legal demands submitted to INEC by lawyers representing the feuding camps.
In a statement, National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna said the Commission remains neutral and urged political actors to avoid actions capable of derailing preparations for the 2027 elections.
However, sources within the opposition claim the unfolding crisis is being orchestrated to weaken the ADC and ensure it poses no serious challenge in 2027, a claim that is likely to intensify political tensions in the months ahead.