FORMER Governor of Jigawa State and elder statesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has issued a strong advisory to presidential aspirants in the newly launched African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning them against what he described as a “sprinter’s approach” to the 2027 presidential race.
Speaking Tuesday night during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time monitored by News Point Nigeria, Lamido expressed concern over the flurry of declarations and political manoeuvres within the ADC, less than a month after its coalition-backed launch.
While reaffirming his commitment to the PDP, Lamido said he attended the ADC unveiling to support democratic engagement but was never in doubt about his loyalty to his party.
“I am still in the PDP. I can’t leave a big party for a small one,” Lamido said, making it clear that he does not see the ADC as a viable replacement for Nigeria’s dominant political players just yet.
The former minister and PDP stalwart noted that although new coalitions like the ADC are important for Nigeria’s political development, he believes their approach must be more thoughtful, less hasty, and better coordinated if they truly aim to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
“There are too many sprinters in ADC,” Lamido observed. “They need to slow down and look at the issues in a deeper way. There is too much rushing.
“They need to quietly connect with the people, engage more with Nigeria’s grassroots, and build a strategy. That is the only way they can remove this cancer called APC.”
Lamido’s comments come in the wake of several high-profile moves within the ADC just days after its formal launch.
The coalition has quickly become a focal point in conversations around 2027, especially amid public debate on Peter Obi’s reported offer to serve only one term if elected, and former Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s immediate declaration of his own 2027 presidential ambition.
Though former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has yet to officially declare his intention, growing signs suggest he may also join the 2027 race through this new political alliance.
This adds further complexity to Nigeria’s political landscape, especially for a still-nascent party like the ADC.
Lamido, reflecting on these developments, advised that the party’s early momentum could fizzle out without proper groundwork and a unified message.
“It’s not just about declaring ambitions and showing up at events. Politics is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. You need strategy, patience, and people-to-people engagement,” he added.
Lamido urged the ADC to avoid becoming a party defined solely by presidential ambitions, media soundbites, or high-profile endorsements.
“You win elections not by TV appearances or social media posts but by hard work, grassroots mobilisation, and trust. Nigerians want results. They want leaders who understand their pain,” he said.
He argued that the path to removing the APC from power in 2027 would require more than rhetoric or the parade of aspirants.
“If the goal is to defeat the APC, then the approach must be deliberate. Let’s not rush. Let’s organise,” he concluded.
Lamido’s remarks are likely to resonate within both PDP and ADC circles, especially as calls grow for a united opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The warning comes at a crucial time when several opposition politicians are exploring mergers or coalitions to consolidate electoral strength.