Professor Mohammed Gana Yisa, former Nigerian Ambassador to Japan and ex-Deputy Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, has declared his commitment to preventing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from rigging the 2027 general elections. Now a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Yisa spoke passionately to Vanguard in Ilorin, emphasizing that the PDP has collapsed in Kwara, leaving ADC as the only credible alternative for the state.
Reflecting on his departure from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Yisa explained, “In 2019 and 2023, PDP won only a single House of Assembly seat, and even that was lost through the courts. A party that cannot win elections has lost its electoral value.” He criticized the PDP for its failure to challenge manipulated election results and the internal leadership struggles that have significantly weakened the party’s influence in the state.
Addressing rumours that an agreement exists for President Bola Tinubu to hand the Kwara governorship to former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Yisa dismissed these claims as “the most ridiculous hope PDP members are clinging to.” He stressed, “Which politician voluntarily gives votes to the opposition? None.”
Yisa made it clear that his decision to join the ADC was rooted in the need for a genuine alternative. He remarked, “Kwarans are tired of APC’s poor governance. Since 2019, there has been no serious development in my constituency. ADC’s underground mobilisation across wards and local government areas signals a fresh start.”
Despite ADC’s relative newness in Kwara politics, Yisa expressed confidence in its growing membership, which includes former PDP members and disillusioned APC figures. “We are building a party to beat,” he affirmed, stressing that ADC offers hope for the people of Kwara.
The key issues for Yisa and his party in the upcoming election are hunger and insecurity. “Families can no longer afford basic food, and banditry has forced entire communities to abandon their homes,” he said.
On concerns about vote-buying, Yisa acknowledged the reality but urged voters to act with integrity. “Yes, money changes hands, but we will ask voters: is four years of suffering worth a few thousand naira? We tell people—collect the money, but vote wisely,” he stated.
Yisa also reflected on the challenges of unseating an incumbent party but pointed to the 2015 election as evidence that change is possible. “A nationwide push for change is gaining momentum,” he said.
When asked about zoning demands in Kwara North, Yisa said that ADC is focused on building a strong party first before discussing power rotation. “Our priority is to strengthen the party and create a platform for lasting change,” he noted.
“Do not be deceived by empty promises. APC has failed. PDP has collapsed. ADC is mobilising, and by God’s grace, 2027 will not be business as usual.”
