ABUJA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC), now backed by an emerging opposition coalition, has urged Nigerians not to assess its strength based on its inability to secure any seats in last month’s by-elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, the party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that the contests came too soon after the ADC’s leadership transition and were not reflective of its true political potential.
“The election happened less than a month after we came into the party. Most of the candidates, we didn’t even know them, and that’s why we said we cannot judge the ADC by that,” Abdullahi said. “The by-election came too early in our transition period. Other elections are coming, and we will be ready for those.”
The by-elections, held on August 16 to fill vacant legislative seats after the 2023 general polls, saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) win 12 of the 16 available positions. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) secured two seats in Anambra, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won one each in Oyo and Kano respectively.
INEC has since formally recognized the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC, with former Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, named National Secretary; Dr. Ibrahim Mani, National Treasurer; Akibu Dalhatu, National Financial Secretary; and Professor Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor, National Legal Adviser.
With this endorsement, the party says it will embark on nationwide reconciliation and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections. Abdullahi stressed that the ADC’s long-term goal is to build a mass movement capable of offering Nigerians a credible alternative to the ruling APC.
“We want Nigerians to get to 2027 and ask themselves, has this ruling party improved our lives or made our lives worse? At that point, they should be able to look at our party as a viable alternative,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC had earlier attributed its by-election loss to alleged violence, vote buying, ballot box snatching, and voter intimidation during the polls — allegations denied by the APC.
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