THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has claimed that intimidation from the Federal Government is preventing sitting governors from joining its growing political coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Speaking at the third plenary session of the Northern Political Consultative Group (NPCG) in Abuja on Saturday, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, said fear and pressure were discouraging governors from aligning with the opposition movement.
“No serving governor would be willing to cross over because of the intimidation they are facing,” Abdullahi stated.
He said some governors who could not formally defect were resorting to tacit endorsements of other presidential candidates instead.
“We know what is going on. Those who can’t jump are endorsing candidates from outside their parties. What you’re witnessing is not just political maneuvering; it’s a conspiracy against the Nigerian people,” he added.
Despite the challenges, Abdullahi said the ADC remains open to all Nigerians disillusioned with the current administration.
“The ADC welcomes everybody, but we are focused on building a political movement backed by the majority of Nigerians who are not happy with the direction this country is going.”
On the matter of the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, Abdullahi insisted that no internal discussions have been held, dismissing speculation that the party had settled on a preferred candidate.
“We are not in any conversation yet about our flagbearer. It is too early in the day,” he said. “Our focus now is building a strong political party that can deliver on its mission.”
Also speaking at the event, Babachir David Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and coalition member, reiterated the group’s commitment to democratic principles in choosing a candidate.
“The ADC will hold congresses and conventions to elect its representatives. Whoever emerges, North or South, the ADC and this coalition will rally behind them,” Lawal said.
So far, several prominent politicians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi have been linked to the coalition, although none have officially declared for the ADC.
President Bola Tinubu, reacting to the growing coalition, has described it as a “coalition of confusion”, brushing off their vow to remove him through democratic means in the next election cycle.
Nevertheless, ADC and its partners say they are determined to provide a viable alternative and challenge what they describe as the mismanagement of Nigeria’s political and economic future.
“We may not have the governors yet,” Abdullahi said, “but we have the people.”