Former Governor of Cross River State and Senator, Liyel Imoke, has emphatically declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its coalition partners are serious contenders poised to take over power in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the ADC’s inaugural meeting in Calabar on Thursday, Imoke emphasized that Nigerians’ growing sense of hopelessness is fueling a powerful national movement demanding change.
“The 2027 takeover is not a joke. No amount of propaganda or attempts to discredit our coalition can stop us,” Imoke stated firmly, highlighting that preparations are already in full swing to elevate the coalition’s political efforts to a new level.
Addressing concerns about perceived divisions within the coalition, particularly skepticism over unity between influential figures like Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Imoke dismissed such fears as baseless.
“All the propaganda suggesting Peter Obi and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar won’t agree will not hold. They will come together. The issues involving El-Rufai, Amaechi, and others will be resolved,” he assured the audience.
Senator Imoke attributed the coalition’s growing momentum to the widespread disillusionment among Nigerians with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He pointed to the deepening hopelessness and economic hardships faced by many citizens as key drivers behind the rising call for a new direction.
“We are living in a time marked by hopelessness. This despair is pushing many Nigerians to seek something different. The caliber of stakeholders behind this movement further strengthens our cause,” Imoke explained.
Also present at the event, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Usani Uguru Usani, echoed Imoke’s sentiments, openly criticizing the APC for failing to fulfill the promises that secured its rise to power.
“Today’s Nigeria is not a figment of imagination; it is a harsh reality. When we were building the APC, people called us madmen, but we persevered. Now, we are witnessing the consequences of a party that failed its people,” Usani lamented.
Having left the APC before the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, Usani urged political actors to unite around credible alternatives such as the ADC coalition.
“In politics, lacking an anchor or umbrella means wasting your time. We are fortunate to have Senator Liyel Imoke at the helm, and we pledge to work with him,” Usani added.
The gathering in Calabar drew numerous former and current members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signaling possible cross-party collaboration within the ADC-led coalition. Notable attendees included Senator Gershom Bassey, Hon. Bassey Ewa, and Hon. Eta Mbora, among others.
The meeting underscored a shared commitment among opposition forces to present a united front and offer Nigerians a viable alternative as the 2027 elections approach, reflecting growing public desire for change and renewed hope.
