Federal Intimidation and Pressure Preventing Governors from Joining ADC Coalition, Says Party Spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over what it described as an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in the country’s political landscape, which it says has discouraged serving governors from defecting to join its ranks. This was revealed during the third plenary session of the Northern Political Consultative Group (NPCG), which took place in Abuja on Saturday.

Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, voiced concerns that the ongoing political atmosphere has made it nearly impossible for any sitting governor to consider leaving their party, particularly for a coalition movement like the one spearheaded by the ADC. The plenary, themed Peace and Social Cohesion: A Panacea to Challenges of the North, brought together various political figures and stakeholders from across the country to discuss Nigeria’s shifting political direction.

According to Abdullahi, the fear of reprisals from the ruling government has effectively stalled any potential crossovers, even among governors who are reportedly disillusioned with the status quo. He explained that while many politicians quietly sympathize with the ADC’s cause, they are too intimidated to make public commitments.

“There is no sitting governor who is willing to cross over at this time, not because they don’t want to, but because they are being intimidated,” Abdullahi stated. “We know the pressure they are under. Some of them, afraid to take the leap, now pretend to endorse the ruling party’s presidential candidate. Let them. What you are witnessing is not politics as usual; it’s a calculated conspiracy against the Nigerian people.”

Despite these hurdles, Abdullahi affirmed that the ADC remains open and welcoming to any individual or group ready to join its movement. He emphasized the party's commitment to building a national platform that resonates with the majority of Nigerians, especially those dissatisfied with the direction the country has taken in recent years.

As discussions around the 2027 general elections begin to heat up, Abdullahi was quick to shut down speculation that the ADC has already begun grooming a presidential candidate. “We have not initiated any talks about who will become our presidential flag bearer,” he clarified. “It’s far too early. Right now, our primary focus is to strengthen our party and develop a structure that can deliver on the goals we’ve set. We are not entertaining any internal horse-trading about candidates.”

His comments come amid growing interest from notable political figures reportedly exploring the possibility of flying the ADC flag in 2027. These include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Although none of these aspirants have formally declared under the ADC, their names continue to stir public curiosity and internal discussion within Nigeria’s political circles.

Adding to the dialogue, Babachir David Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and a member of the ADC-led coalition, highlighted the democratic ethos underpinning the party’s operations. Lawal assured attendees that the ADC will remain faithful to due process in selecting its candidates.

“The ADC is a party deeply rooted in democratic values,” he said. “We will conduct congresses and conventions at every level. Whoever emerges from that process, whether from the North, South, East, or West, will have the full backing of the party and the Northern Political Consultative Group. That’s how we intend to rebuild trust in the political process.”

The coalition formed around the ADC has not hidden its intentions to challenge the authority of President Bola Tinubu in the coming elections. While they insist that their goal is to bring about genuine change through legal and democratic means, the presidency appears unshaken by the emerging threat. President Tinubu has dismissed the coalition as nothing more than a “coalition of confusion,” suggesting that the movement lacks the coherence and leadership required to pose any real challenge.

Observers say the ADC and its coalition partners are betting on public disenchantment with the current administration as a strategic advantage going into 2027. Amid rising inflation, worsening insecurity, and growing discontent among youth and professionals, the party hopes to capture the imagination of those who feel left behind by the existing power structure.

Abdullahi remained firm in his conviction that the ADC represents something larger than partisan politics. “We are not just a political party; we are a movement. And this movement is backed by Nigerians who are tired of the same recycled leadership that has failed to address the root causes of our national problems,” he said.

The road to 2027 remains uncertain, but what is clear is that Nigeria’s political terrain is evolving. The ADC’s posture suggests a deliberate, long-term strategy to carve out a credible third force, even if it must endure resistance and isolation in the short term.

As the dust settles on this latest plenary session, the question now is whether the ADC’s bold declarations will translate into tangible political shifts, or whether the grip of incumbency and systemic fear will once again snuff out the momentum of an opposition hopeful. Either way, the race for Nigeria’s future is well underway, and the ADC intends to be part of that story.