ADC Pushes For Grassroots Power As 2027 Race Begins

As Nigeria heads into another political cycle, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it is not banking on zoning or regional power-sharing but is focused on building a people-driven movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said on Sunday that the ADC is not fixated on the presidency as a single goal, unlike other political parties that prioritize top positions without strengthening structures at the grassroots. According to him, the party is committed to creating a strong, credible base that can compete for offices at all levels — from state assemblies to the national parliament.

While political discussions in Nigeria often revolve around which region should produce the next president, the ADC says it is taking a different approach. The party is concentrating on competence, credibility, and nationwide reach rather than ethnic or regional calculations. Abdullahi argued that focusing solely on zoning has weakened Nigeria’s political development and left little room for real reform.

He also addressed internal efforts within the opposition to register a new political party, All Democratic Alliance (ADA), saying the initiative is still in motion. Dr. Umar Ardo, secretary of the coalition committee behind the ADA application, clarified that despite ADC’s recent adoption as a political platform by the coalition, the move to register ADA with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not been abandoned.

Ardo explained that the coalition is taking a dual approach — working with the ADC for now while awaiting INEC’s approval of ADA’s registration. He said they expect progress soon, especially as INEC recently announced the launch of its online registration platform for new political associations.

Both Abdullahi and Ardo believe the ADC and the broader coalition of opposition forces are stepping into a political gap that has existed for years. They argue that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has operated unchecked, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has failed to present a unified alternative. The ADC, they said, is rising to offer a new way of doing politics — one that values ideas, accountability, and connection with ordinary citizens.

The party says its efforts are already visible. From the turnout in Ekiti State to renewed mobilization in Osun and stronger structures in the South East and South South, the ADC believes momentum is growing. According to Abdullahi, this growing wave is no accident. It reflects the hard work of community organisers who are laying the foundation for a political platform that can truly challenge the status quo.

On the issue of party leadership, Ardo admitted that bringing in a high-profile figure like Senator David Mark created confusion over whether the ADC is now the official face of the coalition. However, he insists that the broader objective remains intact — to give Nigerians an authentic, organised, and united political alternative ahead of 2027.

As frustrations with the current government increase, the ADC says it is not just here to oppose, but to lead a new movement. Whether it runs through the ADC or a freshly registered ADA, the coalition wants to provide a clear path forward — one rooted in solutions, not slogans.