State governors are reportedly staying away from the newly formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for fear of political intimidation, according to the party’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
Speaking during the ADC’s 3rd Expanded Northern Consultative Meeting held in Abuja on Saturday, Abdullahi said many governors are hesitant to openly associate with the party due to what he described as “coordinated pressure and threats” from forces aligned with President Bola Tinubu.
“We are not under any illusion that serving governors will join us now,” Abdullahi said. “The kind of intimidation they face is real. Some are even publicly declaring support for the President just to protect themselves.”
The ADC has recently emerged as a platform uniting prominent political figures from across the spectrum. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former APC chieftain Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai have all been linked with the movement.
Former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola currently serve as the party’s interim National Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
Despite the backing of influential political actors, no sitting governor has formally joined the coalition a silence Abdullahi attributes to fear rather than indifference.
“They are afraid of being blackmailed or having security agencies unleashed on them,” he added. “But what we are witnessing is nothing short of a conspiracy against the Nigerian people.”
Abdullahi, a former Minister of Youth and Sports, insisted that the ADC was not built around any one person’s political ambition and would not be hijacked by power brokers.
“This party is not a vehicle for anybody’s presidential ambition,” he stated. “We have deliberately designed the structure to prevent godfatherism. Our goal is to offer Nigerians a viable political alternative.”
He also stressed that the ADC was not in any internal talks to endorse a candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“It is too early. Nobody has brought up any name, and nobody is being positioned as a favourite. Our current focus is on strengthening our structures and building a credible political force.”
Saturday’s meeting in Abuja was part of a broader effort by the ADC’s National Political Consultative Group to engage citizens across geopolitical zones. Abdullahi explained that the northern gathering was aimed at discussing insecurity, regional disunity, and how to build a sustainable grassroots network.
“This meeting is specifically for the North. Similar gatherings are being planned for other regions, including the South and Southeast,” he said. “We are collecting reports from the states to better understand local realities as we build this coalition.”
Observers say the ADC’s bold move may reshape the country’s political dynamics, but the absence of sitting governors could prove a challenge in the months to come.
Nonetheless, the party insists it is not backing down.
“We welcome all Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the status quo,” Abdullahi declared. “This movement belongs to the people, and it’s the people who will drive the change in 2027.”
