The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has directed members of the opposition coalition to resign from their current political parties and formally join the ADC, though no specific deadline was given for the transition.
The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja after a caucus meeting that brought together senior party leaders and prominent politicians.
According to Abdullahi, all issues concerning the African Democratic Association (ADA) have been resolved, with the coalition now fully aligning under the ADC platform. He added that presidential aspirants within the coalition had agreed to support whoever emerges as the party’s flag bearer after its primaries.
He further revealed that the National Working Committee will soon release the timetable for primaries in Osun and Ekiti states, ahead of the off-cycle governorship elections.
Those present at the meeting included ADC National Chairman David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi.
APC, PDP Dismiss ADC’s Directive
Reacting, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the development, insisting that the ADC posed no threat to its political dominance.
APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, described the move as routine political realignment. “This is nothing to frighten or embarrass the APC. The political atmosphere allows people to change sides as they wish. The ADC does not have the strength to rattle the APC,” he told The PUNCH.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) welcomed the ADC’s directive, saying it would help identify true party members. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said, “It’s even good we know those who are of the ADC, those who are of the APC, and those who are of the PDP. At the end of the day, Nigerians will decide.”
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) also downplayed the impact, likening the ongoing realignments to a football transfer window. Its National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, said politics is a numbers game, adding that the NNPP expects to gain more members than it loses before 2027.
The Labour Party declined to comment on the coalition’s decision.
ADC Mobilises for 2027
Meanwhile, the ADC vowed to “rescue Ogun State and Nigeria” from what it described as the failed leadership of the APC. The party urged Nigerians to register, collect their voter cards, and join efforts to vote out the ruling party in 2027.
The party also recalled former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s earlier prediction that the ADC would have grown strong enough to take over governance by 2027.
Punch
