Under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), opposition political parties and civil society groups converged in Kano on Tuesd...
Under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), opposition political parties and civil society groups converged in Kano on Tuesday for a high-level strategy meeting aimed at forming a grand coalition ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The gathering, held at the Malam Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies in Mambayya House, Gwammaja, was hosted by former Nigerian Ambassador Bala Sani. It drew participants from across the political and civic landscape — including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Action People’s Party (APP), New Nigeria Movement (NNM), youth organisations, and informal sector representatives from Kano State.
In his keynote address, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, ADC’s 2023 governorship candidate and chairman of the Kano State Council of Ulamas, stressed the urgent need for unity and strategic coordination among opposition parties if they intend to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle. He condemned the APC government for undermining the independence of the judiciary and legislature, warning, “When those who should hold government accountable start singing its praises, democracy is in danger.”
ADC’s Kano State Chairman, Musa Shuaibu Ungogo, lamented the erosion of public trust in Nigeria’s democracy and political class. “Nigerians have lost confidence in the democratic system and in the ability of political elites to lead the country toward real growth and development. But today, we must reignite hope and prove that politics can still serve the common good,” he said.
Political science scholar Professor Kamilu Sani Fagge echoed the call for unity, urging opposition leaders to sacrifice personal ambition for collective victory. “The APC’s 2015 success was a result of unity. The opposition must now replicate that spirit of sacrifice,” he advised.
Similarly, Dr. Saidu Ahmad Dukawa emphasized the importance of internal democracy. “When candidates are imposed, it spells doom for any party. Injustice is the graveyard of political ambition,” he said.
While many parties pledged commitment to the coalition, concerns around trust and transparency were raised. APP State Secretary Sani Lawan Es cautioned, “Our fear is betrayal — being used and dumped. But if everyone plays fair, this alliance can work.”
Adding a note of resilience, Abba Bukar Dambatta, a member of the LP Presidential Campaign Council, encouraged delegates not to lose heart: “We’ve suffered for 10 years; we’ve been through the fire. But now, the people are tired and ready. This is our moment.”
The Kano meeting marks a pivotal step in what could become a formidable opposition bloc determined to challenge the dominance of the APC and reshape Nigeria’s political future in 2027.
No comments