ADC Vows to Offer Real Choice in 2027 to Save Nigeria from APC Rule

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it is determined to provide Nigerians with a true alternative in the 2027 general elections, aiming to bring change after years of what it describes as worsening hardship, insecurity, and political imbalance under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, a former minister and seasoned politician, shared these views during an in-depth conversation in Abuja. He explained that the coalition behind the ADC is not just another political movement but a serious effort to restore hope to millions of Nigerians who feel trapped by failing leadership and limited options.

Abdullahi believes the state of the country under APC rule pushed many experienced politicians to unite under a new umbrella. For him, Nigeria’s situation has reached a point where simply enduring has become unbearable. He pointed to increased insecurity, economic suffering, and a shrinking democratic space as reasons many citizens feel anxious about the future. He insisted that the coalition’s goal is not to attack President Tinubu personally but to prevent Nigeria from becoming a one-party state.

He described how the current government has allegedly weakened every major opposition party. The PDP, he said, once a powerful and respected institution, has been brought to its knees by internal betrayal and external pressure. Abdullahi claimed that figures like Minister Nyesom Wike played major roles in destabilizing the PDP, leaving its faithful members no choice but to seek a new political home.

As for the ADC, the party plans to restore Nigeria’s democracy by creating a level playing field where multiple ideas and policies can be debated. Abdullahi said the coalition aims to give voters a clear choice. According to him, in a true democracy, no political party should dominate so heavily that citizens are left with no real alternatives at the ballot box.

He voiced concern about the current National Assembly, saying it has failed to hold the executive arm of government accountable. Abdullahi argued that the legislature is no longer acting as a check on presidential power, and instead appears to serve the interests of the presidency. He said recent events, such as the way emergency declarations are handled, raise questions about whether lawmakers are truly protecting democracy.

Abdullahi also criticized the government’s handling of the economy. He described a situation where inflation and the high cost of energy have reduced the value of money so badly that even large salaries cannot meet basic needs. He said policy decisions, however well-meaning they may seem, must be measured by their real impact on people’s lives, and warned that current economic policies are driving more Nigerians into poverty.

The coalition, according to him, is made up of seasoned politicians who understand how elections work and what it takes to build a party that lasts. Leaders such as David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola bring years of experience and credibility, and they are working to ensure the internal processes of the ADC are transparent, fair, and inclusive. Abdullahi insisted that there is no anointed candidate and no hidden agenda, just a commitment to offering Nigerians a new political path.

He dismissed suggestions of division within the ADC, saying recent statements from individuals claiming to represent the party were distractions. He stressed that the transition process within the ADC is on solid ground and that attempts to paint the party as disorganized are politically motivated. According to him, those trying to create the impression of a faction are not party officials and lack the authority to speak for the group.

When asked about financing the party, Abdullahi declined to share specifics but assured that the coalition’s leaders are not new to politics and understand what it takes to run an effective campaign. He also said the ADC is focused not only on the next election but on building a political institution that can stand the test of time.

He admitted to feeling disappointed by what the PDP has become, describing its decline as a national loss. He recalled the legacy of past PDP leaders and said the party’s collapse shows the urgency of building something new. He hopes the ADC can become a party with deep roots, one that future generations can inherit and be proud of.

Abdullahi avoided making personal judgments about President Tinubu’s performance, saying his concerns are institutional, not individual. Still, he made it clear that Nigerians are suffering and that the current government has not done enough to improve their lives. For him, the goal is not to insult or attack, but to fix a system that no longer works for the people.

He expressed confidence that the coalition can withstand the usual challenges of opposition politics. He acknowledged that governments tend to hold on to power, but said history shows that even powerful incumbents can lose if the people rise to demand change. According to him, the ADC and its allies are not fighting President Tinubu — they are fighting for Nigeria.