The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling political establishment of intimidating state governors and stifling opposition, claiming that fear of reprisal is deterring governors from joining the newly launched coalition platform aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s grip on power in 2027.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday at the third Expanded Meeting of the National Political Consultative Group (North), the party’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the reluctance of governors to align with the coalition was “a conspiracy against the Nigerian people.”
“We know that no serving governor will want to come to us now because of the kind of intimidation that they are facing,” said Abdullahi, a former Minister of Youth and Sports. “Some of them, who cannot openly defect to the APC, are instead endorsing President Tinubu to protect themselves. What you’re witnessing is a calculated conspiracy against Nigerians.”
The ADC has recently re-emerged as a focal point of a new political realignment, fronted by prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former APC presidential hopeful Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai. On July 1, they unveiled the party as the platform to mount a unified challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola were named interim National Chairman and Secretary, respectively. Yet despite its heavyweight backers and growing public interest, the coalition has yet to attract a single sitting governor.
Abdullahi maintained that while the party welcomes all Nigerians, including governors, it is focused on a broader mission: “The ADC is not being built around any individual’s ambition. It’s not a vehicle for personal advancement. Our structure ensures it cannot be hijacked,” he said.
He added that conversations around flag bearers or candidates for the 2027 elections were premature and that the party’s immediate goal was to build a movement capable of altering the trajectory of Nigerian politics.
“We are not having any discussions about candidates yet. Our focus is on creating a credible, principled party that reflects the frustrations and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
The meeting, convened by the National Political Consultative Group (North), focused on addressing the unique challenges facing northern Nigeria. Abdullahi noted that a similar engagement is planned for the southern region as the coalition seeks to broaden its reach nationwide.
