The Presidency has dismissed the newly formed African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition as a fleeting alliance with no ideological b...
The Presidency has dismissed the newly formed African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition as a fleeting alliance with no ideological backbone, predicting its collapse within six months.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, made this declaration during an interview on Politics Today, aired on Channels Television.
“This coalition of internally displaced politicians lacks vision and policies. They can’t offer Nigerians anything beyond press statements and criticisms,” Bwala said.
He pointed out that Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in 2023, Datti Baba-Ahmed, had already sensed the “chaos ahead” within the coalition, stating that infighting over who becomes the presidential candidate will be its downfall.
“In six months, that coalition won’t even be a conversation. They’ll scatter,” Bwala predicted.
FG Will Not Be Distracted — Says Minister of Information
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Wednesday, said Tinubu’s administration remains undistracted by political noise and remains focused on its “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“This administration will not be drawn into distractions engineered by those who prefer stagnation over reform,” Idris said. “We affirm the right to freedom of association, but our focus is on delivering real economic growth and reforms.”
Idris cited key progress areas, including:
-
Decline in crude oil theft.
-
Stabilization of the naira.
-
Improved investor confidence.
-
Ground-breaking tax reforms.
-
Mass mechanization in agriculture.
-
Programmes like student loans, consumer credit, and CNG vehicle conversion.
“Those forming coalitions today don’t want a spotlight on Nigeria’s gains. But we will stay focused,” he added.
Katsina Governor: Coalition Members Are ‘Crying Because They’re Out of Power’
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State also dismissed the ADC coalition during an appearance on Sunrise Daily.
“These are people who were part of government before. They’re crying now because they’re outside. Let them show Nigerians what new thing they’re bringing,” Radda said.
He challenged coalition leaders to reveal their plans for issues like fuel subsidy, warning that empty promises won’t win over Nigerians.
Oyebanji, Others Deny Defection Rumours
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji denied viral reports linking him and other APC leaders to a defection into the ADC.
“Governor Oyebanji remains firmly rooted in the APC,” said his media adviser, Yinka Oyebode, calling the report a “tissue of lies.”
ADC Fires Back: “We’re Stronger Than Ever”
In a show of force, the ADC has mobilized 97 lawyers to challenge what it described as a “fake lawsuit” orchestrated by political enemies targeting its leadership, including former Senate President David Mark and ex-Minister Rauf Aregbesola.
“We’re ready to defend this party against politically motivated attacks,” said Mohammed Sheriff, ADC’s national legal coordinator.
At a stakeholders’ meeting, David Mark, now Interim Chairman of the ADC, said:
“I don’t own this party more than any other member. We will operate transparently and not favour any aspirant.”
Mass Defections Hit Borno, Ondo States
ADC’s momentum surged with mass defections from PDP and APC in Borno and Ondo States.
In Borno, prominent defectors include:
-
Alhaji Idris Durkwa, former PDP guber aspirant.
-
Sheriff Banki, youth mobiliser.
-
Babakura Abba Yusuf, ex-House of Reps candidate.
“Nigerians are tired. The grassroots are ready for change,” Banki said.
In Ondo, the ADC welcomed:
-
Eyitayo Jegede, ex-PDP guber candidate.
-
Agboola Ajayi, former deputy governor.
-
Prof. Bode Ayorinde, ex-House Rep member.
“All 18 local governments are with us,” Ayorinde said. “This is the beginning of a new political order.”
Lukman: ADC Will Not Be Handed Over to Any Candidate
Salihu Lukman, a key strategist of the coalition, made it clear that ADC’s party structure will not be hijacked by any presidential hopeful—including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, or Rotimi Amaechi.
“We negotiated with the whole leadership—not any individual. Our structures will regulate even elected officials when the time comes,” he said.
Labour Party Factions Clash Over Obi’s Coalition Role
In a dramatic twist, Labour Party’s Arabambi faction threatened to expel Peter Obi for “double membership.”
“It’s unconstitutional. We’re convening a NEC meeting to expel him,” said Abayomi Arabambi on Channels Television.
However, Obi’s faction, led by Senator Nenadi-Usman, dismissed the expulsion plot.
“These impostors are political jesters. Obi enjoys our full backing,” said Ken Eluma Asogwa, Special Adviser to the LP Acting Chairman.
No comments