ADC Target’s Lagos LG Polls To Test Strength Of New Coalition

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently adopted by a coalition of opposition leaders, is preparing for its first major political test against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming local government elections in Lagos State.

The elections, set for Saturday, July 6, 2025, across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas, are now drawing attention as the ADC eyes an alliance with the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to challenge the dominance of the ruling party.

Sources familiar with developments told Nigerian Tribune that ADC interim secretary Rauf Aregbesola met with LP and PDP candidates over the weekend in Lagos. The goal was to discuss fielding consensus candidates to increase the chances of a united front defeating APC contenders, especially in key councils.

Aregbesola’s role is viewed as strategic. He previously served as commissioner under then-governor Bola Tinubu in Lagos and later governed Osun State under the platform of Tinubu’s defunct Action Congress of Nigeria. His return to Lagos politics through the ADC is seen as both symbolic and tactical, especially given his recent appointment reportedly influenced by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Party insiders revealed that Aregbesola only accepted the ADC leadership offer after holding talks with Obasanjo. The former president is believed to have played a crucial role in encouraging him to take charge as interim secretary, positioning him to help steer the coalition’s efforts in the southwest.

So far, only the APC has candidates contesting in all 57 councils. Labour Party chairperson in Lagos, Pastor Dayo Ekong, confirmed that LP will field chairmanship candidates in just 26 councils. She explained that the decision not to contest in all areas was made for strategic reasons, possibly to allow room for alliance-building.

PDP and LP are focusing mainly on the 20 constitutionally recognised LGAs, leaving out many of the LCDAs where APC has stronger grassroots machinery. While final decisions on the possible coalition slate remain under wraps, sources say further meetings are expected before Saturday’s vote.

The local elections offer the ADC-led coalition a low-risk opportunity to test its political machinery, voter outreach, and capacity to challenge APC’s hold—particularly in a state long regarded as Tinubu’s stronghold. Aregbesola, aware of this symbolism, told supporters after arriving in Lagos last Thursday that the goal is to wrest control of Lagos from the ruling party, though he warned against campaign violence or personal attacks.

If the ADC, LP, and PDP can agree on joint candidates, this weekend’s election could mark the first real contest under the new alliance banner—and a preview of the national showdown expected in 2027.