The leadership of the opposition coalition has called on its members to resign from their current political parties and fully join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), although no specific deadline has been set for this transition, New Daily Prime reports.
The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, made this announcement in Abuja on Thursday following a caucus meeting with senior party leaders and prominent political figures.
Since its launch on July 2 as the coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, the ADC has seen a handful of opposition leaders switch allegiance, but most have yet to formally leave their original parties. For example, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but has not officially joined the ADC. Similarly, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and others remain in their respective parties while associating with the coalition.
Abdullahi clarified that while all members have been ordered to resign from other political parties, the caucus did not specify a timeline. He also noted that all presidential aspirants within the coalition have agreed to support whoever wins the primary election. Plans are underway for primary elections in Osun and Ekiti states in preparation for the upcoming off-cycle governorship polls.
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The meeting included notable figures such as National Chairman David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aminu Tambuwal, and former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi.
APC, PDP dismiss ADC’s move
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have dismissed the ADC’s directive, stating it poses no threat to their political dominance.
APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim said that the party welcomes defectors but remains confident in its strength. “The APC has been receiving an influx of people who are leaving their parties and joining the APC,” he said. “In the last elections, the recently concluded by-elections, it is clear that the ADC does not have the strength to rattle the APC.”
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor described the ADC’s call as a positive move for political clarity. “It’s good we know who belongs where,” he said. “This country has over 240 million Nigerians. Many can join any party; it’s not about my party. It’s about Nigerians getting more sensitised and becoming part of the process.”
The New Nigeria People’s Party spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, expressed no fear of losing members to the ADC, likening the current political environment to a football transfer window where players come and go. He emphasised that the party is actively engaging supporters ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Labour Party factional spokesman, Obiora Ifoh, declined to comment, stating that ADC’s decisions are for them and their supporters alone.
ADC vows to rescue Ogun State, Nigeria
The ADC has vowed to rescue Ogun State and Nigeria from what it describes as failed leadership by the APC government, citing mismanagement and hardship.
At a party coalition convergence in Abeokuta, former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu highlighted challenges such as youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, underfunded schools, and neglect of farmers. He urged Nigerians to obtain voter cards and support the ADC in the 2027 elections.
Nwosu recalled former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s encouragement that the ADC would grow stronger and eventually take over governance by 2027. The party leadership is committed to realising this vision, promising to prioritise the needs of Nigerians and end mismanagement.
Deputy National Chairman Dr Bamidele Ajadi called for unity within the party to ensure success in upcoming elections.
Ogun State Chairman Femi Soluade described ADC as the only party with a clear vision to transform Nigeria, with specific plans for youth empowerment, agricultural revival, infrastructure development, and accountable governance.
He lamented the state’s untapped potential due to poor leadership and declared, “Enough is enough. The time has come to end bad governance and return power to the people come 2027.”
