2027: APC knows our weakness, Tinubu faces no competition- ADC Kenneth Okonkwo

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, Kenneth Okonkwo, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Working Committee, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of exploiting his party’s internal weaknesses.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Okonkwo claimed that President Bola Tinubu faces “no competition” in the upcoming polls and alleged that APC is using “some charlatans” to undermine ADC’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,” Okonkwo said, emphasizing what he described as coordinated efforts to weaken his party ahead of the elections.

Okonkwo also addressed the ongoing leadership disputes within ADC.

He clarified that former INEC Chairman Yakubu Mahmood formally recognized ADC’s leadership after an 18-month review process.

He further stated that factional leader Nafiu Gombe had officially resigned from the party on May 17, 2025, with the resignation taking effect on May 26, 2025.

The remarks come after Gombe threatened contempt proceedings against INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan for recognizing Senator David Mark’s faction as the party leadership, arguing that the Court of Appeal’s March 12, 2026 ruling maintained the status quo pending the final decision of the Federal High Court.

Gombe demanded that INEC halt recognition of Mark’s faction and allow him to manage party affairs until the case is concluded.

Okonkwo described Gombe’s actions as “ridiculous” and emphasized that his resignation had been intended “to allow for a smooth coalition and restructuring.” He said APC allegedly approached Gombe afterward in an attempt to influence party outcomes.

The ADC coalition includes several prominent figures who recently left other parties, such as PDP, LP, and NNPP, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, as well as David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola in leadership positions. The alliance was formally unveiled in July 2025.