ADC Leaders Driven By Patriotism, Not Personal Ambition — Solomon Dalung

Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has said that leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are not driven by personal ambition but by a shared desire to rescue Nigeria from poor governance under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking in Jos on Monday, Dalung told the Nigerian Tribune that no ADC stalwart has declared interest in the 2027 presidency, emphasizing that their current focus is on mobilising Nigerians and building a credible alternative. He said those suggesting otherwise are misrepresenting the party’s motives.

“To the best of my knowledge, none of them has declared presidential ambition,” Dalung said. “If they do, they would call a press conference and inform Nigerians. That has not happened.”

He criticised President Bola Tinubu for allegedly using public functions for early 2027 campaign rallies, accusing the APC-led government of being distracted from governance. Dalung argued that Nigerians are already disillusioned by APC’s style of leadership, rising insecurity, and worsening economic hardship.

He described ADC’s ambitions as patriotic, not self-serving. “Wanting to serve your country and transform it for the better is not a bad ambition,” he said. “It only becomes bad when it is for selfish gain.”

Responding to critics who claim ADC leaders are simply seeking a return to power, Dalung defended their track records. “Many of them have never been president. Some were governors — go and judge them by their performance in office. Some of them did exceptionally well.”

He assured that the ADC will eventually present a presidential candidate that reflects the desires and expectations of Nigerians, one capable of challenging and defeating the APC in 2027.

“We’re not moved by APC’s propaganda,” he added. “They have failed monumentally. Our focus is on offering a credible alternative with leaders who have proven themselves.”