The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised fresh allegations of a plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government to disrupt a scheduled opposition summit in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Saturday. The event is expected to feature prominent opposition figures and human rights activists, including Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu and Professor Pat Utomi.
Previous Incidents of Denial
Earlier this month, the APC-led government denied the ADC access to the Eagle Square and the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The party was also reportedly blocked from using the Rainbow Event Center for its national convention. The ADC has accused the government of using the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to destabilize the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC's Role and Legal Disputes
INEC currently withholds recognition of the ADC leadership, which includes former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively. This stance is based on INEC's interpretation of the Court of Appeal's status quo ante-bellum order. The ADC has approached the Supreme Court for a final verdict on whether courts have jurisdiction over political parties' internal leadership affairs. The Supreme Court had earlier ruled that courts must stay away from such internal matters.
Allegations of Disruption Plans
In an early morning tweet on his X handle, the National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, stated: "We have uncovered plans by the ruling APC to disrupt the summit being held by the opposition parties in Ibadan, Oyo State, today, 25th of April. After denying us the use of venues in Abuja, they now will not leave us alone to hold our meetings. They say they are not scared, but they are behaving like people who are terrified. But we will not be deterred, because we are on the side of the Nigerian people."
The ADC has vowed to proceed with the summit despite the alleged threats, insisting that the opposition remains united in its pursuit of democratic principles.
