ADC Mocks APC Over Alleged Paid Crowds, Empty Seats at Kaduna Rally

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its Northwest zonal campaign flag-off rally in Kaduna, alleging that poorly filled seats undermined the ruling party’s attempt to demonstrate its political strength.

In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the council claimed that the rally fell short of expectations despite the reported mobilisation of supporters from the seven states in the Northwest and other parts of the country.

The ADC-PCC alleged that attendees were paid between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 each to attend the event, yet the Kaduna Township Stadium, which it said could accommodate 5,000 people, remained sparsely occupied.

Ologbondiyan described the turnout as disappointing, arguing that the presence of attendees at a political gathering did not necessarily indicate genuine public support. He also criticised the audience’s response to speeches by APC leaders, describing it as lacking enthusiasm.

The council questioned President Bola Tinubu’s claims about his administration’s performance and criticised the commissioning of road projects during the rally.

It further alleged that some attendees expressed dissatisfaction with the APC after leaving the stadium, chanting Ba mu yi, a Hausa expression that Ologbondiyan interpreted as a rejection of the ruling party and its policies.

The ADC-PCC argued that political parties could mobilise people to attend rallies but could not compel them to support their candidates at the ballot box.

The council also accused the APC of repeating promises made during the 2015, 2019 and 2023 election cycles without adequately accounting for its record in office.

It criticised Tinubu for allegedly shifting responsibility for Nigeria’s economic difficulties to opposition leaders rather than addressing the effects of his administration’s policies. The council specifically cited fuel subsidy removal, which it said had increased pressure on households already struggling with rising living costs.

The ADC-PCC urged the ruling party to end what it described as wasteful political gatherings, apologise to Nigerians over the economic challenges facing the country and prepare for an orderly transfer of power in 2027.

The council maintained that the ADC offered an alternative to the APC and expressed confidence that voters would use the next general election to determine the ruling party’s political future.