The African Democratic Congress (ADC) spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, has raised a thought-provoking question regarding the political behavior of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party in Nigeria.
Abdullahi pointedly asked why the PDP, which should be vocally opposing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has instead focused its criticism on the ADC, while largely remaining silent about the APC itself. He described the situation as emblematic of “interesting times” in Nigerian politics.
The ADC has recently positioned itself as a rising force in Nigeria’s political landscape, gaining momentum as an opposition coalition aiming to challenge the APC’s dominance and President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. This new coalition has attracted notable political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former governors such as Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi. Their joint efforts are meant to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative to the ruling party, amid what the ADC describes as the “impunity” of the Tinubu administration.
Bolaji Abdullahi’s comments come at a time when the PDP is facing internal strife and defections, with some party leaders and members jumping ship to the ADC or even the APC. The PDP’s organizational strength still spans many states and national legislative seats, yet the party struggles with internal divisions and a perceived lack of grassroots momentum, which the ADC has capitalized on.
In July 2025, Abdullahi reiterated that the ADC is committed to rescuing Nigeria’s democracy through democratic means, emphasizing that their tactics are political not militant, relying on the power of ballots rather than bullets. He condemned allegations from the Presidential aide suggesting that the opposition plans to overthrow the government by undemocratic means as baseless and dangerous, meant to stifle opposition voices under the guise of national security.
This internal opposition rivalry has become increasingly visible, with ADC accusing PDP and Labour Party of failing as effective opposition parties and inadvertently aiding the ruling party by opposing the growing ADC coalition. Meanwhile, the PDP continues to grapple with its relevance and unity as it tries to maintain a foothold in Nigeria’s shifting political terrain.
Abdullahi’s pointed query highlights the complexity and fragmentation within Nigeria’s opposition politics, raising questions about the priorities and strategies of the PDP when faced with both a ruling party and an emerging opposition competitor in the ADC. These developments signify a critical phase ahead of the 2027 general elections, where alliances, competition, and party cohesion will crucially shape Nigeria’s democratic future.
