As the 2027 presidential election approaches, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified its political stance, asserting that it is not fixated on the often-controversial issue of zoning.
Instead, the party is prioritising grassroots mobilisation, nationwide political structure, and issue-based governance that goes beyond ethnic or regional power sharing.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, the ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that the party is focused on building a viable, people-centered alternative that challenges the status quo in Nigerian politics. According to Abdullahi, the party’s ultimate goal is not just winning the presidency but transforming the political culture across all tiers of government.
“As for 2027, let me be clear: we are building the party to be a serious contender, not just a participant. But we are not fixated on the presidency as though it were the only prize worth winning. That kind of thinking is part of what has led to the political dysfunction we see today,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the ADC is actively building political capacity to compete in state assemblies, National Assembly seats, and governorships across the country.
“A party cannot be something built on nothing. We must first build the structure. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it. Our emphasis now is on readiness, organisation, and credibility. The ADC is here to give Nigerians a real alternative not just a new name, but a new vision.”
Abdullahi criticised the APC and PDP for perpetuating a system rooted in expediency, ethnic politics, and power rotation rather than merit and vision. He described the ADC as a calculated intervention to revive meaningful political opposition in Nigeria, which he said has eroded over the last decade.
“Structurally, ADC is fundamentally different from formations like the APC. That party was a power-grab coalition formed to oust the PDP in 2015. It has no unifying ideology or lasting structure. The ADC, by contrast, is a conscious response to a collapsing opposition space.”
He stated that since its adoption by a coalition of opposition forces on July 2, the ADC has started offering bold, issue-driven challenges to the ruling party.
On grassroots mobilisation, Abdullahi highlighted growing momentum across key regions:
“We’re doing the hard work. Real political change starts at the grassroots. Beyond personalities like Peter Obi, we have credible organisers in the SouthEast and SouthSouth. In the SouthWest, our recent rally in Ekiti was a major success. The crowd was no accident. Aregbesola’s recent mobilisation in Osun is further evidence of our growing strength.”
He also stressed that ADC’s strategy is not to create noise for relevance, but to pursue principled, idea-based politics:
“We’re not just here to oppose. We’re here to present a better way of doing politics focused, principled, and people-driven.”
ADA Registration Still on Track — Ardo
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the coalition’s Sub-Committee on Party Registration, Dr. Umar Ardo, clarified that the coalition has not abandoned its bid to register a new political party, the All-Democratic Alliance (ADA), despite adopting the ADC as a current platform.
“The coalition is anchored on a two-pronged approach. Yes, the ADC is there, but we are not abandoning our application for the registration of ADA,” Ardo stated.
He dispelled confusion surrounding the coalition’s direction, noting that the ADC’s recent move to appoint Senator David Mark as chairman gave the misleading impression that the ADC is the coalition.
Ardo explained that the application process for ADA’s registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is still active:
“INEC recently tested its registration portal and said pre-qualified associations would be invited to upload their details. We’re waiting. I have no doubt the ADA will be on the ballot and could very well form the government in 2027.”
He criticised the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, asserting that Nigerians are ready for change.
According to Ardo, the idea behind forming ADA was not just tactical but strategic. It aims to redefine opposition politics in Nigeria, unite diverse political stakeholders, and mobilise public sentiment behind a credible, new platform.
“This will create an authentic alternative to entrenched forces and galvanise national momentum to inspire hope.”
