A member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has raised the alarm over what he described as attempts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Okonkwo alleged that the APC is leveraging “some charlatans” to interfere in ADC’s internal affairs, aiming to weaken the party’s coalition strategy.
“I was shown everything—resignations, NWC dissolutions—all carried out for the greater good of Nigeria. Yet, some charlatans, some clowns, are being used by APC because President Tinubu does not want any competition in 2027. That is what is going on,” he said.
Okonkwo also criticised what he called undue pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise rival factions within ADC. “A lawyer went to court seeking relief, and now some are claiming the court has ruled in their favour when it has not. This is the second letter they are writing to INEC,” he added.
He clarified that it was former INEC chairman, Yakubu Mahmood, who officially recognised the ADC leadership after 18 months of negotiations and thorough review, not the current INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan. “If there had been even a minor glitch, he would not have approved it,” Okonkwo emphasised.
The comments follow threats by ADC factional leader Nafiu Gombe to take contempt action against INEC over recognition of David Mark’s faction. Gombe claims the Court of Appeal ruling maintains the status quo, making him the legitimate ADC leader pending the final High Court decision.
Responding to Gombe’s move, Okonkwo described it as “ridiculous,” stating that Gombe had resigned from the party in May 2025 to allow for smooth coalition and restructuring. “After resigning, APC went back to him, thinking they could use him to truncate the ADC because they are desperate,” Okonkwo added.
The APC has not publicly responded to Okonkwo’s claims.
