2027: Presidency Rebukes ADC Over ‘Tinubu Sole Candidate’ Claim

The presidency has rejected claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is orchestrating a plan to make President Bola Tinubu the sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the allegation as a deliberate attempt by certain actors to create confusion within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and undermine what he called the only viable opposition platform in the country.

The ADC had alleged that the supposed plot was intended to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) into recognizing Nafiu Bala Gombe, an expelled party member, as its national chairman. The party vowed to resist any such move in defence of democracy, maintaining that its leadership remains firmly under Senator David Mark following a July 2025 joint meeting of its National Working Committee and National Executive Committee, which was observed by INEC officials.

According to the ADC, the alleged effort to destabilize the opposition is being driven by an APC governor in collaboration with a senior security official in Abuja, as part of a scheme to position President Tinubu as the sole presidential contender.

Responding to the allegations, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed them as baseless. He emphasized that the issues raised by the ADC are internal party matters that should be resolved within the ADC.

Speaking to journalists, Onanuga stated, “This is an ADC party matter. Let the party resolve its internal issues and stop its wild accusations against the APC and President Tinubu.” He added that the electoral commission would address questions regarding party leadership and recognition, noting, “INEC will speak for itself.”