Arise News Political Editor, Sumner Sambo, has urged opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), to strengthen their grassroots structures if they want to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Sambo made the call while speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Monday, where he assessed the preparations of political parties ahead of the election.
He argued that opposition parties needed to move beyond press conferences and television appearances and establish a stronger presence among voters across villages, wards and local government areas.
“You can’t beat APC with press statements. You have to be proactive. You have to go to the grassroots,” Sambo said.
According to him, the APC has already commenced its campaign activities, while some opposition parties are still largely communicating their political messages from Abuja.
He said ADC and NDC must demonstrate stronger organisation, unity and grassroots mobilisation while presenting Nigerians with a clear alternative to the APC.
Sambo warned that continued reliance on press statements without direct engagement with voters could weaken the opposition’s chances of defeating President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
He advised opposition leaders to study the ruling party’s early mobilisation strategy and ensure that their political structures extend beyond the national level to communities across the country.
