Politics
ADC Accuses APC of Backdoor Strategy to Control Opposition Parties
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over what it describes as a coordinated attempt to manipulate Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, warning that it will strongly resist any plan to impose a single candidate across political parties.
In a statement issued by its national leadership, the party alleged that elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are working behind the scenes to weaken opposition parties and create a political environment that would favor the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the only viable presidential candidate in the next general election.
The ADC further claimed that the alleged strategy includes attempts to infiltrate its leadership structure by promoting individuals it described as “expelled members” of the party. According to the statement, such moves are aimed at destabilizing the ADC from within and undermining its independence ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We are aware of calculated efforts to compromise our leadership and reduce the ADC to a tool for external political interests,” the party said. “This includes attempts to impose individuals who no longer have legitimacy within our structure.”
The opposition party emphasized that it remains committed to maintaining internal democracy and providing Nigerians with credible alternatives, insisting that it would not succumb to external pressure or political intimidation.
Political analysts say the development reflects rising tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape as parties begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections. Concerns over internal party control, alliances, and possible defections have continued to shape discussions within both ruling and opposition blocs.
While the APC has not officially responded to the allegations, observers note that such claims are not uncommon in Nigeria’s pre-election period, where parties often accuse rivals of interference and strategic manipulation.
The ADC, however, reiterated its resolve, stating that it would mobilize its structures nationwide to resist any attempt to undermine democratic competition in the country.
Former FCT Senator Philip Aduda Joins APC Amid Opposition Turmoil Ahead of 2027 Elections
Philip Aduda, who represented the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate from 2011 to 2023, has formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress. He was received into the party on Monday in Abuja by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda.
Aduda resigned earlier from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing a leadership crisis within the opposition as his reason for departure. He expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunities that allowed him to serve in various elective positions over the years.
The former senator lost his FCT Senate seat to Ireti Kingibe in the 2023 elections, a result he later challenged in court. Both the election tribunal and the appeal court upheld Kingibe’s victory.
Aduda is a known ally of Nyesom Wike, who recently predicted that Kingibe would not be re-elected in 2027, criticizing her record and stating she has “no project to show.”
Political analysts see Aduda’s defection as a significant realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, signaling potential shifts in alliances within the FCT and broader national political landscape.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has officially been sworn in for a second term in office, marking the commencement of another four-year tenure.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, and witnessed by a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.
The governor arrived at the venue at exactly 11:18 a.m. alongside top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, as well as former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
Also present were elder statesmen such as Emeka Anyaoku and the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Governor Soludo took the oath of allegiance at 11:50 a.m., followed by the oath of office, both administered by the Chief Judge of the state. His wife, Nonye Soludo, stood by his side throughout the ceremony.
He subsequently signed the oath documents at about 11:55 a.m. to loud applause from attendees.
The inauguration formally begins Soludo’s second term in office, which is expected to run until 2030.
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has called on the leadership of the Nigerian Senate to ensure the uniform enforcement of constitutional provisions governing political defections by members of the National Assembly.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Chairman, Yabagi Yusuf Sani, the party expressed concern over remarks reportedly made by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, suggesting the possible declaration of the seat of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe vacant over alleged defection.
According to the party, Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) clearly states that a member of the National Assembly must vacate their seat if they become a member of another political party before the end of their tenure, except in cases of division or merger within their original party.
The ADP noted that the provision has been affirmed in several judicial pronouncements, including the Supreme Court rulings in Amaechi v. INEC (2007) and Abegunde v. Ondo State House of Assembly (2015), which established that electoral mandates belong to political parties rather than individual candidates.
The party also referenced the case of Senator Pam Nwadkon Dachungyang, who was elected on the platform of the ADP to represent Plateau North Senatorial District but later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the ADP, the defection occurred despite the absence of any internal crisis, division, or merger within the party, circumstances which the Constitution recognises as exceptions.
The party therefore urged the Senate leadership to apply the constitutional provision consistently, warning that selective enforcement could undermine public confidence in the legislature.
“The Constitution is not partisan. It is supreme,” the statement read, adding that Nigeria’s democracy requires the law to be applied without bias or political consideration.