ADC Reacts to Defections, Says Tinubu Benefiting from Opposition Disunity

ADC Reacts to Defections, Says Tinubu Benefiting from Opposition Disunity

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said it has overcome major internal challenges following a recent Supreme Court decision, which it claims restored full leadership authority to the party ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that the ruling enabled the party to resume core activities such as organising primaries and selecting candidates for upcoming elections.

Reacting to the defection of key opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Abdullahi admitted that the development has complicated opposition strategy. He noted that the exit of the politicians has shifted the electoral landscape into a more fragmented contest, which he said could inadvertently strengthen the ruling party’s position.

On internal disputes and legal concerns, Abdullahi dismissed suggestions that ongoing court cases threaten the stability or electoral readiness of the ADC. He insisted that the party continues to function within the legal framework and that internal disputes are being exaggerated by external observers. According to him, leadership matters within political parties remain internal issues that do not prevent participation in elections.

Addressing claims of internal imposition of candidates, Abdullahi rejected allegations that the ADC is controlled to favour specific individuals. He said the party is committed to a transparent primary election system, where all aspirants are given equal opportunity to contest. He further argued that some politicians who left the coalition did so because they were unwilling to participate in competitive internal processes.

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On zoning and electoral strategy, the ADC spokesman said the party has not adopted any rigid position on regional rotation for the presidency ahead of the 2027 elections. He explained that the party’s decisions will be guided by electoral viability and strategy rather than geographical considerations, stressing that opposition parties must prioritise winning capacity over zoning arrangements.

Abdullahi also alleged that the emergence of the NDC and related political developments are part of a broader effort to weaken opposition unity in Nigeria. He claimed that such fragmentation ultimately benefits President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the country approaches the 2027 elections. The Presidency has not responded to the allegation at the time of this report.

On governance and electoral issues, he criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for reforms to strengthen its independence and improve electoral credibility. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Tinubu administration, citing economic hardship, insecurity, and declining living standards.

The ADC spokesman further questioned the independence of the National Assembly under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, arguing that the separation of powers is being weakened in the current political environment.

Despite these concerns and recent defections, Abdullahi reaffirmed that the ADC remains committed to building a strong opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the party’s focus remains on ideological clarity, democratic processes, and offering Nigerians what it describes as a credible alternative to the current administration.

 

ADC Reacts to Defections, Says Tinubu Benefiting from Opposition Disunity