Power Struggle Deepens: Parallel Chairmanship Claims Shake APC, ADC Ahead of 2027
Nafiu Bala, Hafsatu Danladi’s rival claims expose internal fractures as coalition talks and succession battles intensify
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
Fresh cracks have emerged within Nigeria’s political architecture as parallel leadership claims in both the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition African Democratic Congress threaten to trigger deeper internal crises ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Investigations by Rimawaglobalnews reveal that the declaration by Nafiu Bala as National Chairman of the ADC is not an isolated development, but part of a wider struggle for control of a party increasingly seen as a potential vehicle for a mega opposition coalition.
Multiple party insiders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that competing interests, ranging from legacy stakeholders to new power blocs aligning with prominent national figures, are battling to secure strategic control of the party’s structure ahead of possible realignments.
“The fight is not just about chairmanship; it is about who controls the platform if the opposition eventually converges,” a senior ADC source revealed.
At the same time, similar tensions appear to be brewing within the APC, where Hafsatu Danladi has reportedly laid claim to the position of National Chairperson, raising eyebrows among party loyalists and signaling possible undercurrents of discontent within the ruling establishment.
Though the APC has yet to officially recognize such a claim, insiders suggest that the development reflects quiet power negotiations and emerging factions positioning for influence ahead of 2027.
Political analysts warn that these parallel claims, if allowed to fester,could evolve into full-blown legitimacy battles, with potential legal confrontations, party splintering, and weakened electoral coordination.
Even more concerning, sources indicate that external political actors may be quietly influencing internal dynamics within both parties, seeking to shape leadership outcomes in line with broader 2027 ambitions.
“This is beyond ordinary party politics. What we are seeing are early moves in a long chess game toward 2027,” another political strategist noted.
For the ADC, the stakes are particularly high. Any prolonged leadership tussle could undermine its credibility as a neutral coalition platform, potentially derailing ongoing talks among opposition heavyweights.
For the APC, the emergence of internal consultations—however subtle—raises questions about discipline, cohesion, and the management of succession politics within the ruling party.
As the political temperature gradually rises, one thing is clear: beneath the surface of public alignments and coalition rhetoric lies a complex web of power struggles, strategic positioning, and competing ambitions that could ultimately determine the direction of Nigeria’s next presidential election.
