The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed speculations that it has already settled on a presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, insisting that no formal agreement or zoning arrangement has been reached.
Speaking on *Politics Today*, a programme on Channels Television, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, clarified that the recent influx of high-profile politicians into the ADC should not be interpreted as a predetermined arrangement for the party’s top ticket.
Abdullahi noted that the surge in membership is a natural result of the party positioning itself as a viable alternative following the announcement of a broad political coalition.
“There is nothing happening in the ADC today that is unusual,” Abdullahi said. “We are delighted that diverse individuals are joining our ranks. It demonstrates that the ADC is seen as a strong, viable platform for those with legitimate political ambitions.”
Level Playing Field
The spokesperson emphasized that the party’s primary responsibility is to provide a fair platform for all members, regardless of when they joined. He stated that the ADC has learned from the internal crises that have crippled other major parties and is committed to avoiding similar pitfalls.
“Our most important duty is to ensure a level playing field and insist that everyone plays by the rules. Every member of the ADC knows that nothing has been determined yet, regardless of external speculation,” he added.
Abdullahi further explained that while the party prefers consensus-building, it will not hesitate to conduct competitive primaries if a unanimous decision cannot be reached.
“We are building a winning coalition. If consensus does not happen, we will hold competitive primaries that are free, open, and transparent. Nigerians will see that the ADC is a party of rules,” he said.
Looking ahead, Abdullahi stated that the ADC is intensifying preparations for upcoming governorship and area council elections. He expressed optimism that the party would improve its performance in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and upcoming polls in Ekiti and Osun states.
“Some elections in the past came too soon for us, but those experiences have strengthened our resolve. We are committed to a strong showing in the next cycle,” he noted.
The ADC spokesperson also launched a scathing critique of the current administration, arguing that Nigerians are facing “unprecedented hardship” characterized by economic instability and insecurity.
He accused the government of being “in denial” of the country’s realities. “Every assessment shows that Nigeria is not moving in the right direction, yet those in power keep telling citizens that everything is fine,” Abdullahi said.
He specifically attacked the government’s tax policies, labeling the introduction of new taxes amidst widespread poverty as insensitive. Furthermore, he alleged irregularities in the legislative process, claiming that certain clauses were “criminally” inserted into tax laws after they had already been passed by the National Assembly and signed into law.
On the international front, Abdullahi lamented Nigeria’s perceived loss of diplomatic clout. He argued that the country has moved from being a leading voice in Africa to a silent observer of global events.
“Nigeria used to be a country whose leaders took clear, courageous positions on global issues. Today, when defining moments in international politics occur, Nigeria is nowhere to be found. That is an embarrassment rooted in a lack of moral authority,” he said.
As part of its strategy for the 2027 race, Abdullahi revealed that the ADC will soon inaugurate a committee to develop comprehensive policy proposals. The focus, he said, will be on providing a credible alternative vision for governance and easing the economic burden on the masses.
“Nigeria cannot continue like this. No promise of ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ can justify the pitch darkness that Nigerians are experiencing today,” he concluded.
