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  • ADC downplays by-elections as measure of strength, eyes 2027 with optimism

    ADC downplays by-elections as measure of strength, eyes 2027 with optimism

    The Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) yesterday said the outcome of today’s by-elections will not count for much in its performance in the 2027 elections.

    It said the process for the polls began much earlier before the coalition came on stage.

    National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party remains focused on building robust internal structures in preparation for the 2027 general elections rather than treating the by-elections as a litmus test.

    His words:”You see, there’s a tendency for people to want to use this by-election as some sort of measure of our party’s strength or weakness. For us, that’s not the case.

    “This is part of a process that began long before our party came on board. That’s why we’ve allowed some members to complete the process under the platform of their original party.” 

    He emphasised that while the ADC is committed to supporting its candidates and monitoring developments closely, the results would not determine the party’s political trajectory.

    “We are supporting our candidates, monitoring the process, and giving them all the necessary backing. But the outcome will not be an indicator of future elections.

    “Regardless of what happens, we’re looking ahead with great hope,” he added.

    Read Also: Reforms can restore investors’ confidence, unlock AfCFTA opportunities – Okonjo-Iweala

    According to Abdullahi, the party’s real test will come in 2027 when its congresses, national convention, and candidate selection process would have been completed.

    “By 2027, our party will have a clear direction. Once we complete our congresses, hold our convention, and produce a candidate, you’ll see a different picture.

    “Right now, much of the real work is going on below the radar. What you see are press statements and routine reactions, as any opposition party should do, but behind the scenes, systems are being set up across the country, and we will be fully ready when the election comes,” he said.

    Abdullahi also addressed internal leadership disputes, particularly claims by former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, to be the legitimate national chairman, dismissing such assertions and urging aggrieved individuals to seek redress through the courts rather than the media.

    “On the matter of my former deputy national chairman, Nafi Bala, who claims to be the national chairman, I’ve stopped responding to such characters. If they have a case, they should go to court.

    “We can’t keep going in circles in the media. The media attention is what keeps them going. If they truly believe there’s forgery or any wrongdoing, they should report it to the police, not the press.

    “They want to keep the story alive so they can justify to their sponsors that they’re doing something.

    “We’re no longer giving them that oxygen. They’re not even in our consideration,” he stated.

  • SDP disowns alleged alliance with ADC in Kaduna bye-election

    SDP disowns alleged alliance with ADC in Kaduna bye-election

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kaduna State has disowned reports linking it to a coalition with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of Saturday’s bye-election in Kajuru/Chikun Federal Constituency.

    In a statement,.Kaduna SDP Chairman, Hon. Adamu Idris, dismissed the claim as false and the handiwork of political impostors bent on misleading the public.

    Idris accused one Hon. Nasiru Maikano — “who is neither a member nor official of the SDP” — of issuing a statement suggesting an alliance between both parties.

    Read Also: By-election: INEC distributes sensitive materials in Edo

    “To be clear, Hon. Nasiru Maikano does not represent or serve as the chairman of SDP in Kaduna State. The SDP is not in any coalition with any political party in Kaduna State,” he said.

    The chairman warned that such falsehoods could damage the party’s electoral prospects and vowed to report the matter to the relevant authorities, describing it as a breach of the party’s constitution.

    He reaffirmed that the SDP’s candidate for the Kajuru/Chikun seat remains Comrade Johnathan Maikaratu Wushiri, and urged voters in Zaria Kewaye and Basawa State Assembly constituencies to ignore the “false claims of impostors.”

    Idris also advised party members and supporters to remain calm, law-abiding, and adhere strictly to all Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines before, during, and after the polls.

  • 2027: ADC is a coalition of failures, reject them, APC Southwest tells Nigerians

    2027: ADC is a coalition of failures, reject them, APC Southwest tells Nigerians

    …rally canvassers for Tinubu’s re-election in Ondo, Ekit, Oyo, Osun Lagos, Ogun states

    Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Southwest Zonal Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Nigerians to reject the coalition of opposition figures now operating under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The zonal leadership said members of the coalition have “nothing to offer” the country, describing them as “failed politicians” who had been tested with power in the past but left no meaningful achievements.

    Speaking with journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, after their meeting, the APC Southwest Zonal Chairman, Isaacs Kekemeke, said those in the coalition had been tested with power in the past but disappointed Nigerians with nothing to show for their existence in power.

    “This coalition of politicians cannot win against the coalition of Nigerian people who know that what President Tinubu is doing now is the very best for our country.

    “They are people who have been tested and have failed. If people have been tested and have failed over time, then it will be terrible for Nigerians to abandon someone (like Tinubu), who is setting Nigeria on the path to greatness. 

    Read Also: Aregbesola in Lagos for ADC membership drive

    “They are a committee of people who have failed in the past and in the very recent past. They are people who have not been able to accredit themselves credibly in the areas in which they have been asked to work. They are people who have something to show,” he added.

    Kekemeke challenged the coalition members to present their track records, urging Nigerians to disregard their antics of coming back to power in 2027.

    “Let this coalition tell us what they achieved when they were in power and what they plan to do differently now. If you look at their records, they are very undesirable,” he said.

    The APC zonal chairman also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would be unbeatable in the 2027 polls.

    He revealed that the Southwest APC leadership has concluded arrangements to recruit canvassers for Tinubu across all 2,000 electoral wards in the six states of the region.

    According to him, the canvassers will be tasked with taking the president’s socio-economic policies and achievements directly to the grassroots.

    “A committee has been set up to work out the modalities. Apart from overseeing party activities across the zone, it will strategize for President Tinubu’s second-term bid. As the president’s home zone, we must lead the crusade for his re-election,” Kekemeke added.

  • Aregbesola storms Lagos for ADC membership drive

    Aregbesola storms Lagos for ADC membership drive

    The interim national secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was at the Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State to kick off the African Democratic Congress (ADC) membership drive.

    He urged Nigerians to reject the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

    The former Minister of the Interior said neither the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor the Labour Party (LP) is the answer.

    A statement by a chieftain, Funmi Onita-Coker, quoted the former minister as urging the prospective ADC members to stand firm.

     Aregbesola said, “I am urging you to go out and spread the gospel of the ADC to all Nigerians, particularly those living in your local government areas.

    “Tell them that a new vista of hope and opportunity now awaits them in our party as we promise a new deal that would see to it that our dear country, Nigeria, is reset to the path of development and progress.”

    He said APC, PDP and LP to offer a democratic platform that would ensure good governance that brings change.

    He said, “I want you all to sensitise Nigerians on the need to join ADC and use the ADC platform to remove the APC government. Having said that, I am also urging you, as well as all other categories of Nigerians, to vote and protect their votes by follow-up vigilance.

    “I am also calling on you to make conscious efforts to register as voters in this INEC continuous Voter registration.

    Read Also: Still on Tinubu, Aregbesola and Oyetola

    “That everybody for now should concentrate on mass mobilisation, that party membership cards will be available soon.”

    Former Commissioner for Housing, Rahman Owokoniran, and ADC chairman, George Ashiru, urged Lagosians to prepare for 2027.

    Oníta-Coker, who thanked the party members for their sacrifice and patience, emphasised the importance of the mobilisation.

    Thanking the members, Ashiru promised that APC would render honest and transparent leadership that would guarantee equal opportunities for Nigerians.

  • ‘EFCC hits back at ADC, others over ‘unprovoked attack’

    ‘EFCC hits back at ADC, others over ‘unprovoked attack’

    • •Tambuwal released, passport seized

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday reiterated its commitment to a reinvigorated anti-graft without sparing any sacred cow.

    The chairman, Ola Olukoyede, explained that the agency runs a non-partisan mandate, adding that it has been  circumspect and dispassionate in the exercise of the mandate. 

    He insisted that the law would take its course whether suspects belong to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or the opposition.

    “If  I am not condemned for investigating both former and serving strong ruling party governors and ministers, I should not be condemned for also investigating opposition figures,” Olukoyede said via a statement by the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.

    The EFCC boss said the investigation and trial of suspects are not time bound.

    It was in reaction to the criticisms by the chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against the interrogation of former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal over alleged suspicious withdrawal of N189 billion from the state government account when he was in office.

    The former governor, who was detained in the  headquarters of the commission in Abuja on Monday, was released around 5pm yesterday on bail.

    However, a source said Tambuwal’s passports were seized to restrict him to the country, pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.

    The ADC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary,  Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the Commission of reopening dormant cases against opposition leaders as a reaction to “emergent political affiliations.

    The opposition party also alleged attempts to intimidate key opposition members by the Federal Government. .

    Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, an ADC chieftain, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi objected to the interrogation, saying that Tambuwal’s detention was a ploy to intimidate and weaken the opposition.

    Olukoyede described the attack by the ADC as unprovoked and shocking, stressing that it underscored a blame game.

    Read Also: EFCC probes traveller over undeclared $59,000 at Lagos Airport

    He said it will not submit itself to blackmail to discontinue ongoing investigations.

    Olukoyede added: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s unprovoked attack on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC), concerning its handling of cases involving politically exposed persons from every divide, came as a rude shock and unwarranted blame game.

    “Every objective and discerning watcher of events in the national political scene would admit that the commission has been circumspect and dispassionate in the exercise of its mandate.”

    The commission’s chairman also faulted the ADC’s claim that its summons were politically motivated.

      He said: “The ADC’s claims that “opposition coalition have received EFCC summons that are clearly politically motivated. These are not fresh cases arising from new evidence but new files opened in reaction to emergent political affiliations to intimidate key opposition figures”,  are clearly self-serving,  diversionary, narrow  and  idle.

    “ The question is, what determines “fresh cases” and old cases? Every corruption allegation deserves to be investigated and there is no constraint of time and season in criminal investigations.

      “Available records in our courts showed that several political figures of all divide are answering charges  of alleged economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

    “It is also public knowledge that the EFCC is busy investigating some key figures of the ruling party  owing to allegations of corrupt practices. 

    “ Besides,  many serving state governors of various political colouration are on the investigative  radar of the commission.”

    Olukoyede said its operation was without political colouration, stressing that it will not succumb to blackmail to make any disclosure on its ongoing investigations.

    He added: “The commission will not be blackmailed into making full disclosures of its discreet investigations of any state or non-state actor,  no matter the provocation.   

     “The ADC was right to have admitted that “The EFCC does not belong to the APC.  It belongs to the Nigerian people. It is funded by taxpayers, not the ruling party.’’  Nothing can be farther from this truth. 

    “The ADC and other political groups should focus on their partisan activities and allow the Commission to carry out her mandate.  Nothing will make an innocent person answer any charge from the EFCC. 

    “The “opposition figures” the ADC is trying unsuccessfully to white-wash know in their hearts that they have issues that necessitated their invitations by the commission.” 

     Olukoyede said there is  no sacred cow in the anti-graft war.

    He stressed: “The immunity against any investigation by the EFCC is accountability and probity.   Fraud is fraud. Corruption is corruption. There is no sacred cow, protected interest or partisan consideration in the investigation and prosecution of corruption.

    “The EFCC will continue to do its job and all well-meaning Nigerians are enjoined to ignore political statements meant to heat up the polity and divert attention from the pillage of the national treasury.”

    EFCC witch-

    hunting opposition,  says Atiku

    Chiding the EFCC for detaining Tambuwal,  the former vice president described it as a strategy by the Tinubu administration to intimidate and weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

    He alleged in a statement posted on his official X account that Tambuwal’s detention was politically motivated.

    He stated: “The only reason the @officialEFCC has detained the former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, @AWTambuwal, is because he is a member of the opposition Coalition. It is a continuation of the Tinubu-led administration’s agenda to harrass, intimidate, and decimate the opposition.”

    Obi: anti-graft agency harassing foes

    Obi faulted Tambuwal’s detention, saying that EFCC is not transparent in its operations.

    He said the detention has opened up an existing contradiction apparent in the fight against corruption in the country.

    Obi stated on his X handle that corruption can only be tackled if leaders are sincere.

    He added: “I look forward to the time when the anti corruption fight in this country will be under one law that applies to all, no matter who is involved, and not one targeting political opponents and perceived enemies of the incumbent government.”

  • ADC leaders call for youth-led political change

    ADC leaders call for youth-led political change

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) marked this year’s International Youth Day with a strong call for political renewal, pledging to open its ranks to Nigeria’s youth, women, and all citizens ready to embrace principled governance.

    Speaking in Abuja on Monday, ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, urged Nigerians to join what he described as a new chapter for the party — one to be written “with courage, unity, and an unshakable conviction to serve God and country.”

    He vowed that under his leadership, the ADC would reject political imposition, special privileges, and governance without accountability, instead, committing to internal democracy, transparency, and fairness.

    Represented by Salihu Lukman, former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Mark said grassroots structures from polling units to the national stage would be revitalised to ensure every member has a voice.

    He pledged substantive, not symbolic, inclusion of young Nigerians and women, with 35% of leadership positions reserved for women and key roles for Nigerians under 40.

    “Our handshake is extended to all, across every divide, because the future we build is one we build together,” he said.

    Read Also: No room for ADC coalition in Ondo, says Aiyedatiwa

    Echoing the call for change, ADC National Youth Leader, Comrade Balarabe Rufa’i, challenged Nigeria’s youth to stop waiting for transformation and take control of the nation’s future.

    “If we, the youth of Nigeria, cannot change our streets, we will never change our country. And if we cannot change Nigeria, Africa will keep watching others define its future,” he told the gathering, held under the theme ‘Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond’.

    Rufa’i lamented that despite making up over 70% of the population, young Nigerians remain politically marginalised and economically stranded.

    Citing official figures, he said 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, youth unemployment exceeds 53%, more than 20 million children are out of school, and violent attacks claimed over 12,000 lives in 2024, many of them young people.

    He accused leaders of spending “more money on convoy fuel than on community policing” while failing to address the roots of insecurity.

    He called for urgent reforms to adapt the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the realities of developing nations, arguing that Africa should not be judged by the same metrics as wealthier countries.

    Rufa’i vowed that under the ADC, young people would be given genuine decision-making power, with investments in agro-processing, renewable energy, and technology, alongside increased education funding.

    Quoting Nelson Mandela, he urged Nigerian youth to unite across ethnic and regional lines and reject political manipulation, he said, “Tomorrow has been postponed for too long, Nigeria will rise and we, her youth, will lead the way.”

  • ADC: I’m authentic National Chairman, Bala insists

    ADC: I’m authentic National Chairman, Bala insists

    • Mustapha reaffirms loyalty to APC

    A former National Deputy Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala, has declared himself the authentic National Chairman of the party.

    In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Bala dismissed the suggestions that he had formed a faction within the party.

    “I have never had any faction. I am the only National Chairman of the party. Any other group claiming to be party leadership is not legitimate,” he said.

    Bala stressed that the ADC constitution is clear on leadership eligibility.

    He said: “Those claiming leadership (of ADC) are not even registered members of the party.

    “You cannot just appear and take a leadership role. According to the ADC constitution, you must be a member for at least one year before holding such a position, unless granted a waiver by the National Working Committee (NWC).”

    Read Also: ADC appoints Jackie Wayas as deputy national publicity secretary

    Bala insisted that his national chairmanship is backed by both the party’s constitution and the Constitution of Nigeria.

    Reacting to the inauguration of the David Mark-led group, which was attended by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he said: “That meeting was illegal. I was the National Chairman at the time and should have presided over it.

    “The constitution states that if the National Chairman resigns, the Deputy National Chairman takes over. On that day, the then-Chairman had resigned, and I assumed office immediately.

    “The meeting led by Nwosu and others was unconstitutional. INEC may have been present, but they were not aware of all the facts, including the resignation letter and my rightful succession. I have never resigned from my position.”

    Also, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, has restated his unflinching loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He dissociated himself from any political alliance with opposition parties.

    Reacting to a circulating report linking him to an alleged opposition coalition and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mustapha described the claim as “fake news” and urged the public to disregard it.

    “I am not in any opposition alliance, and I am not in any discussion with those who are involved,” he said in a statement he personally released yesterday.

    The former SGF, who served from 2017 to 2023 under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, recalled his role as Deputy National Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), one of the legacy parties that merged to form the APC in 2013.

    “As the Deputy National Chairman of the ACN, the largest political party with six governors at the time of the merger and the formation of the All Progressives Congress, I can rightly claim that I am one of the founding fathers of the governing party,” he said.

  • 2027: ADC struggles for presence in Lagos, Kaduna, Enugu, Delta, others

    2027: ADC struggles for presence in Lagos, Kaduna, Enugu, Delta, others

    • State leaders await directives from Abuja

    The major challenges to the quest by the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) for power in 2027 are beginning to manifest, five weeks after many opposition politicians formally adopted it as the vehicle for their aspiration.

    The battle for the party’s leadership, which broke out as soon as former Senate President David Mark was named the interim national chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, has continued unabated.

    Some party functionaries in the old dispensation are refusing to acknowledge any change in leadership, with some even going to court to challenge what they call illegal takeover.

    Some others, including the party’s presidential candidate in 2023 Dumebi Kachikwu, are threatening more litigation.

    Chairmen of the party in Borno, Benue and Nasarawa states are resisting the new leadership in Abuja.

    Investigation by The Nation across the states revealed that despite the fanfare that attended the July 1, 2025 adoption of ADC by the opposition, its presence in many states appears too feeble for a party that hopes to displace the ruling one.

    It was gathered that the new NEC of the party is yet to settle down and understand the needs and challenges of the state chapters.

    On their part, the state chapters, which are in tune with the new leaders in Abuja, are awaiting directives on how to get the party going at the grassroots.

    In Lagos, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Delta, Borno, Edo, Sokoto, Enugu, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Kebbi states, among others, the ADC looks more like a fringe party.

    Although the George Hashiru-led executive committee in Lagos State remains in office, no notable politician has so far switched allegiance.

    The state remains a stronghold of the APC, which won the July 12 local government elections overwhelmingly.

    In neighboring Ogun State, the only time ADC made waves was 2019 when Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka contested that year’s governorship election against the man who later won, Prince Dapo Abiodun of APC.

    ADC has since slipped into obscurity following Isiaka’s defection to the APC.

    He is currently the member of the House of Representatives for Imeko/Afon.

    Otunba Femi Soluade, son of the Second Republic Deputy Governor of Ogun state, is the current Chairman of ADC in the state.

    Notable ADC members in Ekiti and their profiles

    In Ekiti State, the only recent notable additions to the party are Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, Dr. Sikiru Lawal, Dare Abejide, Gboyega Aribisogan and Chief Segun Akinwunmi

    Olusola-Eleka was deputy governor under Governor Ayo Fayose between 2014 and 2018, and was PDP’s governorship candidate in 2018. He lost to ex-governor Kayode Fayemi with a narrow margin.

    Dr. Lawal was the Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2018 governorship poll. He defected from the PDP to LP on account of disagreement with Fayose.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid unstoppable- Adekanmbi

    Abejide was Secretary to the Ekiti State Government under Segun Oni and was the candidate of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) in the 2018 governorship poll while Aribisogan defected from the PDP to APC in 2018 following a feud with Fayose.

    He had also served as speaker of the Sixth Assembly, but his tenure lasted only six days following his impeachment.

    Akinwumi was a chieftain of the PDP until his defection to ADC.

    The evolving ADC structure in Osun State is being built around former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who is the current Interim National Secretary of the party.

    Aregbesola was in the APC.

    With him to drive ADC in the state are ex-Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Najeem Salam; former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Moshood Adeoti; and Elder Adelowo Adebiyi,  a former state chairman of APC .Observers said the party stands a little chance in the state given the entrenchment of the APC and the PDP at all levels.

    Governor Ademola Adeleke and the state chapter of the PDP recently pledged their support for the re-election of President Tinubu in 2007.

    South East

    The party is practically non- existent in Enugu State; the only visible and outspoken member being actor and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo.

    Okonkwo campaigned vigorously for Peter Obi in 2023 but has since parted ways with him.

    His face is a regular feature on television and social media.

    Former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha is the face of ADC in Imo.

    Ihedioha made a dramatic return to politics last month through the ADC.

    He had announced his exit from active politics some months back.

    He is a former governor of the state, whose election was nullified by the Supreme Court.

    The party’s popularity  in Anambra will be put to test in the November 8 governorship election when its candidate, John Nwosu, will square up with Governor Charles Soludo.

    Nwosu,’s running mate, Dr Ndubuisi Nwobu, was once Anambra State Chairman of Action Congress (AC) and later, chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    Also in Anambra ADC  are Comrade Patrick Obianyo, a former chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state; Ben-Chuks Nwosu, a two-term member of the state House of Assembly.

    Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, the former National Chairman of the party, who handed over its affairs to Senator Mark, is from Anambra State as is Peter Obi who has been campaigning for the LP candidate.

    The party is currently embroiled in a leadership tussle in Abia State.

    A faction led by Deacon Iyke Nwoke is locked in a battle with that of Obinna Don-Norman for the soul of the party.

    The 2023 governorship candidate of the party, Sunday Onuoha, was recently elevated to the position of Archbishop.

    The key members of the party in Ebonyi are Linus Abaa Okorie and Silas Onu.

    Mr Okorie represented Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives for two terms from 2011 to 2019.

    He was the candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election for Ebonyi South Senatorial zone, losing to David Umahi. He also lost to Umahi’s successor, Senator Anthony Ani, in the 2024 by-election after Umahi was made Minister by President Bola Tinubu.

    Onu, a lawyer from Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area, is a former state chairman of the PDP.

    He was the Senatorial candidate of the party for the 2024 bye election in Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone.

    South South

    The presence of ADC in Rivers State is being facilitated by a former governor of the state and former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi.

    Amaechi, who has declared his presidential ambition on the platform of the party, is expected to attract some of his former allies in the APC and PDP.

    However, not many of such allies have openly declared for the ADC for now.

    Observers believe that a former national chairman of the PDP and ally of Atiku, Uche Secondus, former Transport Minister Dr. Abiye Sekibo; Senator Lee Maeba and  Senator  Andrew Uchendu will switch camps to ADC.

    A leadership crisis in the Bayelsa State chapter of the party is seriously hampering its activities, according to sources.

    It currently has no functional office in the state, but its state chairman, Mr Johnny Tovie Derek, is visible on social media.

    The party’s South South zonal chairman, Mr Festus Igbinoba, said Derek is the duly recognised chairman in the state and described those talking about leadership crisis as those who do not wish the party well.

    Igbinoba said the party was aware of efforts by some persons in government to sow the seed of discord in the party as a way of ensuring that the unity currently enjoyed in the party is scuttled, but noted that the party is determined to remain strong and resolute in the agenda of taking over power from the APC.

    The statement reads in part: “Mr. Tovie Johnny is the Bayelsa State ADC Chairman who was duly elected. Any other person claiming to be the state party chairman is on their own and do not enjoy the imprimatur of the party leadership.

    “We adopted the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism in Bayelsa State in resolving the internal leadership issues and successfully reinstated Mr Tovie Johnny to his position as chairman.

    “I, as the National Vice Chairman South South of the party was in Bayelsa State to hold stakeholders meeting of the party where Tovie Johnny was affirmed as the state party chairman.

    “We therefore urge the public to deal with the executive of the party headed by Mr. Tovie Johnny.”

    The ADC in Edo State already has in its rank former governor of the state and former national chairman of the APC, Chief John Oyegun; national chairman of the defunct National  Republican  Convention (NRC), Chief Tom Ikimi; another former governor of the state, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor; Senator Roland Owie and Mr. Kenneth Imasuagbon.

    However, observers wondered how much Oyegun (85), Ikimi (81), Owie (79) and Osunbor (73) have to offer at their age.

    Also expected to team up with the Edo ADC are former Governor Godwin Obaseki and his supporters; Hon Jimoh Ijegbai, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Hon Sergius Ogun, elected twice to the House of Representatives before he fell out with the PDP and Senator Ehigie Uzamere.

    Former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke is coordinating ADC affairs in the state.

    Observers are not sure of how much the former Power Minister in the Obasanjo Administration can make things happen for his new party, having been out of power for 10 years and could not save his former party, PDP, from defeat in the 2023 election.

    Others with Imoke in Cross River ADC include Dr. John Ogar, Senator Gershom Bassey, Hon. Eta Mbora, Hon. Bassey Ewa, Emmanuel Ibeshi and former Minister Usani Usani.

    For now, not too many notable politicians are identifying with the ADC in Delta State.

    But it was gathered that economist Pat Utomi is on board.

    Utomi is little know politically in the state where, in 2019, he lost his bid for the APC governorship ticket.

    John Akpan Udo-Edehe who leads the party in Akwa Ibom has previously been in the PDP, APC and NNPP without delivering the state for any of them.

    Sources wondered what magic he has up his sleeves now to deliver the APC-controlled state for his new party.

    North West

    The ADC is hardly visible in Kaduna State where former Governor Nasir El Rufai is widely expected to be its face.

    El Rufai, who has been unrelenting in his criticism of the APC-led federal government, appears lost in the scheme of things for now.

    His ally and former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West) Malam Salihu Lukman is the only one doing all the talking for ADC  in the state, although some resistance was put up by the current party chairman, Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, who alleged plan by the new members to hijack the party.

    The ADC used to be an obscure opposition party in the state.

    It is now engulfed in a crisis as the old members resist what they see as take over by the new members.

    High-profile politicians expected to join soon include, Dr. John Ayuba, Senator Musa Bello and Alhaji Shuaibu Idris Mikati.

    The ADC parades in Katsina State the likes of Alhaji  Mustapha Inuwa, a former Secretary to the state Government Aminu Surajo Makera, Jamilu Muhammad Lion Katsina and  Musa Salisu Dodo Kankara.

    The most prominent name boasted by ADC in Kebbi State is the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN). But he has been quiet lately.

    The Kebbi State Chairman of the APC, Abubakar Kana, was dismissive of ADC, saying it has no relevance in the state.

    According to Kara, Kebbi ADC is run by those he called a few immature youth.

    North East

    The ADC may have made its biggest inroad so far in Adamawa, home state of its leading presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar.

    With the former vice president already in his new party are governorship candidate of APC in 2023, Senator Aishatu Ahmed (Binani); governor of the state between 2015 and 2019, Senator Jibrilla Bindow; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal; and son of former governor Murtala Nyako, Abdulazeez Nyako, who was senator for Adamawa Central Zone from 2015 to 2019.

    The ADC chairman in Adamawa State, Hon Shehu Yohana, who has been in the ADC since 2019 first as an ordinary member and then as state secretary and now chairman, said the party has enough room for the many people flocking into it.

    Atiku’s long time ally and former minister Maina Waziri is expected to make things happen for the party in APC controlled Yobe State.

    The APC is also firmly in control of neighbouring Borno, home state of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

    North Central

    Until the July takeover of ADC by the coalition politicians, House of Reps member from Yagba West in Kogi State, Leke Abejide was the face of the party in the state.

    But he has been resisting the take over which has not gone down well with the pro-coalition elements, setting the ground for a face-off between the two sides.

    The pro-coalition elements recently announced that they had suspended Abejide.

    Other prominent ADC members in the state are Idowu Ibikunle, Minority Leader, Kogi State House of Assembly representing Yagba West State constituency; Deborah Maji, State Women Leader; Kingsley Ogga, (suspended) State Chairman; John Adaji Udaje, State Secretary; Adamu Temitope, Organising Secretary; and Ige Bernard, Zonal Women Leader.

    Senator Tunde Ogbeha recently joined from PDP.

    Former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung, who also joined ADC recently, said in Jos that the party is waxing strong in Plateau State.

    Dalung had previously contested and lost election into the House of Representatives in Langtang North/Langtang South.

    Solomon Nandy Chendan, the 2023 governorship candidate of the party in the state, described the adoption of the ADC by the opposition as a turning point in Nigerian politics.

    In Benue State, former governor Gabriel Suswam has been joined by Hon. Terngu Tsegba, a former member of House of Representative Representing Gboko /Tarka Federal Constituency; Bob Tyough, former member House of Representative for Ushongu/ Kwande; Hon. Herman Hembe, former member of House of Representatives, representing Jechira Federal Constituency; Professor Tivlumun Nyitse, former Chief of Staff  to the  Governor; Hon Joseph Tsavsar, business man;  Hon. Shiaondo Aarga, former Commissioner and Local Government chairman; and Hon Richard Gbande, former federal lawmaker representing Ukum- Logo and Katsina Ala; and David Mark, former Senate President.

  • Ambode denies ADC defection rumours

    Ambode denies ADC defection rumours

    Former Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has reaffirmed loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging full support for the President’s 2027 re-election bid.

    In a statement on Saturday, Ambode dismissed reports linking him to a governorship ambition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing them as “false publications” intended to cause distractions.

    “I wish to publicly reaffirm my absolute and unshakable loyalty to the APC, the party under which I had the privilege of serving Lagos State as governor in 2015, and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my leader, mentor, and a tireless champion for Nigeria’s progress,” Ambode said.

    The former Governor lauded Tinubu as a “proven achiever and result-oriented leader” whose administration has implemented reforms in pensions, student loans, youth empowerment, and economic growth. He also credited the President with eliminating fuel scarcity, enhancing security, and introducing policies to improve the lives of Nigerians.

    Read Also: Ambode lauds ex-leader’s contribution to national unity

    “His focus, determination, and inclusive governance style are restoring hope and delivering tangible results. I am convinced that, given another four years, Nigerians will have even greater reason to celebrate,” Ambode stated.

    He urged party members and Nigerians to ignore distractions and remain committed to the APC’s success.

    “Let it be clear: I stand solidly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress. We will work together to ensure victory in 2027 to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to all Nigerians,” Ambode concluded.

  • ADC is a rootless split, no threat to APC in 2027 — Gov Sule

    ADC is a rootless split, no threat to APC in 2027 — Gov Sule

    Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum and Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a factional and rootless political movement incapable of threatening the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

    Speaking to journalists on Friday after paying a birthday visit to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Sule described the ADC as “a plant without a root destined to die early.”

    According to him, the APC has never been bothered by opposition parties, including the ADC, which he claimed originated from a split in another opposition camp and lacks the strength to affect the governing party’s electoral fortunes.

    “I don’t know about ADC. From what I was told, ADC is a split—not from our party, but from another party. So, if it’s a split from another party, they are only getting weaker. We’re not worried about that,” he said.

    Sule stressed that APC’s focus remains on strengthening governance and delivering on promises, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “We’ve never been worried about opposition. Our concern has always been about how to improve our own strength and serve the Nigerian people better,” he added.

    Praising the newly appointed APC National Chairman, Sule said Yilwatda’s emergence reflects the party’s strategic direction and regional balancing.

    “We in the North Central, who have been calling for the chairmanship to return to our zone, are satisfied. The chairman is already gaining wide acceptance and is beginning to reform and strengthen the party nationwide,” he noted.

    Read Also: Kwara PDP loses members to APC, ADC

    Asked if the ruling party is not concerned about the coalition, Sule said, “I don’t know about ADC, ADC actually, from what I was told, is a split, not from our party, but from another party, and so if it is a split from another party, well, they are only getting weaker, you know, so as far as we are concerned, we are not worried about that.

    “We have never been worried about opposition; we have always been concerned about our strength and what we need to do in order to give back to the good people of Nigeria.

    “That is what Mr. President has always done, and that is why all of us governors are doing what we can do best in our various states, to support our administration, and we have to continue to do that.

    “I don’t pay attention to what the other parties are doing, because I am more concerned about what my party is doing.”

    Eulogising the new APC National Chairman, the governor said the party needed a man of Yilwatda’s status at this critical period, expressing confidence that the new helmsman will take the party to greater heights.

    “The new chairman is another Renewed Hope Agenda Chairman, you know, the new chairman is coming at a time when somebody like him is needed. We, the people of North Central, who have been agitating for the return of the chairmanship to our zone, have no complaint now, he is in our zone.

    “He recently visited Jos, where he was well received by all traditional institutions, religious institutions, youth, women, and all the elders, so that’s exactly what it is, so he is beginning to reform the party throughout the country.

    “Already, the party is strong, so the party is just getting stronger with his presence, and that’s what we see.”