The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is positioning itself to seize power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 elections, according to former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking through his representative, Prof Bayode Fakunle, during the inauguration of the Ekiti State ADC Executive Council in Ado Ekiti, Atiku criticized the lack of ideological direction in Nigeria’s political parties and defined the ADC as a party with a clear mission to address the nation’s pressing economic and governance challenges.
Atiku highlighted Nigeria’s shifting political environment, emphasizing, “ADC was launched just about three weeks ago and within two weeks, it has become the most dominant party in the country and all other parties are already jittery. It is a party with ideology, peopled by those that are ready to save Nigeria, because Nigeria should not and can never be a one party state. ADC is for all Nigerians, it is a party that will change the political landscape of this country and everyone is welcomed with open hands and by the grace of God, this party will take over the leadership of this country come 2027.”
The event saw prominent defections and broad representation from influential figures across major parties, including former People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and APC chieftains. Among them were Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka, now Ekiti State ADC Stakeholders Coordinator; former Secretary to the State Government, Amb. Dare Bejide; Hon. Akinbowale Omole; Chief Segun Akinwumi; Chief Dipo Anisulowo; ex-SDP chairman Dele Ekunola; Kayode Adaramodu; and former House of Representatives members Hon. Kehinde Agboola, Hon. Kehinde Odebunmi, Hon. Yemisi Arokodare, Olusola Alufa, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka, Hon. Afolabi Akanni, Hon. Olakayo Alaska, and others.
A symbolic presentation of ADC membership identity cards was made to Eleka, Omole, and other top leaders. New members are expected to collect their cards at their local wards.
The new state leadership was also introduced, with Hon. Omolayo Ilesanmi as chairman and Hon. Dare Adekolu as deputy chairman. In his acceptance speech, Ilesanmi stated, “Ekiti ADC is committed to working in harmony with the party’s national goals ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state and the 2027 general election. We believe that through unity, discipline and dedication, we can deliver a government that truly serves the people, champions development and promotes good governance.”
Addressing attendees, Eleka declared the ADC’s mission was to “rescue Nigeria from misgovernance, restlessness, and from lack of transparency and accountability in governance.” He described the ADC as a platform uniting reform-minded individuals from PDP, APC, LP, and SDP, all intent on rejecting corruption, greed, and political intimidation.
Omole expressed concern over the current plight of the masses, noting a lack of confidence in the present government’s ability to provide solutions. Bejide said the ADC was bringing together diverse leaders with a shared vision for progress in both the state and Nigeria: “Our purpose is to bring real change, look at what is ground and see how to improve on them.”
With the inauguration, the ADC has formally launched its push to redefine Nigeria’s opposition and contest for national leadership in 2027.
