A civil society organisation, the Nigeria Democratic Rights Advocacy (NDRA), has alleged a plot by the presidency to undermine the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the group’s Secretary-General, Julius Aondowase.

According to the NDRA, the growing influence of the ADC—particularly in northern Nigeria—has unsettled the administration, prompting alleged moves to weaken the opposition party.

Aondowase claimed the group had received intelligence suggesting that a senior northern political appointee within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) convened a meeting in Abuja on Monday with Senior Advocates of Nigeria and members of the judiciary.

He alleged that the meeting focused on strategies to prevent the ADC from participating in the next general elections.

“We have it from reliable sources that a meeting was convened in Abuja with senior legal minds to explore options that could hinder the ADC from participating in the elections,” the statement said.

The group further claimed that efforts were being made to use legal processes to challenge the legitimacy of the party’s leadership under former Senate President David Mark.

“It is clear to us that there is a coordinated attempt to disqualify the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC, with the aim of weakening the party ahead of the elections,” the statement added.

The NDRA also referenced a letter dated March 28, 2026, allegedly sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the commission not to recognise the current leadership of the ADC.

The group warned that any attempt to undermine opposition parties would pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and electoral integrity.

Aondowase said the organisation is engaging with other civil society groups and professional bodies, as well as notifying foreign missions in Nigeria, to draw attention to the situation.

He further alleged that proposed amendments to the Electoral Act could be used to disenfranchise opposition figures and limit participation in the 2027 elections.

“The pattern is clear—restrict the political space and weaken credible opposition. Such actions, if allowed, could erode public confidence in the democratic process,” he said.

The NDRA called on relevant stakeholders to remain vigilant, insisting that any move to suppress opposition voices would be resisted within the bounds of the law. (The Guardian)

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