The representative of the opposition coalition, Bolaji Abdullahi, has clarified the reasons behind the group’s decision to select the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their political platform in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Abdullahi, who appeared as indicated that the selection was influenced by the party’s willingness to embrace reform and its alignment with the coalition’s collective values and vision.
“At the outset of this journey, we compiled a list of options, parameters, and conditions that defined the type of party we were seeking. Members from the APC rejected our approach, citing that the foundational principles that led to the establishment of the APC had been compromised.
“Those affiliated with the PDP remarked that the party, once a formidable political force, has lost its direction. Members of the Labour Party also voiced their dissatisfaction based on previous experiences. Thus, there was a consensus that moving forward necessitated a set of mutually agreed principles.
“Any party we consider must permit us to reshape it according to our vision. Regrettably, there are very few political parties today that exhibit the discipline and structure we seek—not even comparable to the parties of the First and Second Republics,” he stated.
Abdullahi emphasized that while the ADC may not be an ideal match, it offers a distinctive opportunity for reform.
“We discovered a party that is receptive to the type of reform we envision. If one perceives it as weak like clay, which can be molded into a pot, then that is accurate. This is the reason we have embraced it.”
In response to allegations that the coalition is being led by political veterans, Abdullahi remarked, “This coalition does not belong to anyone. David Mark will participate in the coalition—not merely as a representative for Atiku. It is a coalition of individuals.”
He further explained that the former Senate President [David Mark] was appointed as interim national chairman because “he is someone in whom everyone has universal confidence. We have previously attempted the party-of-big-men model, and it was unsuccessful.”
Regarding the current governance situation, Abdullahi criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bolaji remarked, “Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda has turned into a lost cause. Nigeria is descending into a one-party system where no opposition can thrive.”
He further criticized the detractors of the coalition, asserting, “The coalition has been in development for more than 18 months.
“Then all of a sudden, these types of individuals emerge from the shadows, claiming we are taking control. Where have they been all this time?”
One such critic is Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s presidential candidate for 2023, who also participated in the program.
He labeled the coalition members as “enemies of Nigeria” and accused them of attempting to pull the nation backward.
“They are adversaries of progress. Nigerians can no longer be deceived. What you witnessed in that hall were ‘former’ this and ‘former’ that: former Vice President, former governors, former ministers.
“These are the same individuals who have governed Nigeria for forty years. Where do we stand today? Eighty percent of the population lives in poverty, and now they feign being the fire brigade trying to extinguish the flames they ignited,” Kachikwu stated.
Earlier on Wednesday, coalition leaders gathered at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where they officially selected the ADC as their platform to contest against the APC in 2027.
The event featured Ralph Nwosu presenting the party’s membership card to David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, who were introduced as the interim national chairman and national secretary, respectively.
Notable attendees included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party’s Peter Obi; former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi; and other political figures such as Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, Solomon Dalung, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Emeka Ihedioha, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
Numerous politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) also took part in the meeting.
