ADC dismisses 2027 election withdrawal claims, reaffirms opposition role
The African Democratic Congress has rejected claims that it may not participate in the 2027 general elections, describing the reports as false and intended to undermine its growing political momentum.
The African Democratic Congress has rejected claims that it may not participate in the 2027 general elections, describing the reports as false and intended to undermine its growing political momentum.
In a statement on Saturday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC remains committed to fielding candidates and strengthening its position as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.
He dismissed the speculation as baseless, insisting that the party is focused on challenging the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress and preventing what it described as a drift toward a one-party system.
“The African Democratic Congress wishes to state clearly and unequivocally that we remain focused on our mission to provide a viable alternative and safeguard democratic plurality,” the statement said.
The party reaffirmed its readiness to participate fully in the 2027 elections, urging the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.
“We have taken note of recent suggestions that the ADC will not produce candidates in the 2027 elections. We find such claims to be entirely unfounded, mischievous, and designed to create confusion where none exists. They have no basis in law, in fact, or in the reality of our preparations as a political party,” he said.
He stressed that the party would not only participate in the elections but would field candidates capable of competing nationally.
“Let us be clear. The ADC will present candidates in the 2027 general elections. Not just candidates, but credible, competent, and nationally acceptable candidates who are capable of leading this country out of its current crisis,” he said.
The spokesman maintained that the party is operating within the framework of the law and faces no legal barriers to contesting.
“We remain a law-abiding political party, fully compliant with the Constitution and the Electoral Act. There is no legal impediment to our participation in the 2027 elections, and any suggestion to the contrary is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and dampen the growing momentum around our party,” he added.
Abdullahi described the ADC as a leading opposition platform and said the party is intensifying efforts to expand its structures nationwide.
“The ADC stands today as the primary opposition platform in Nigeria, and we take that responsibility seriously. We are not distracted by noise. We are focused on the real work, organising across the country, mobilising Nigerians who are tired of insecurity, rising costs of living, and limited opportunities, and building the structures required not just to contest, but to win,” he said.
He called on party members and supporters to ignore what he described as speculation aimed at weakening confidence in the party.
“We urge our members, supporters, and all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard these baseless assertions. The task before us is too important to be derailed by speculation,” he said.
The statement comes amid heightened political activity and repositioning among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
On his part, National Youth Leader of the party, Balarabe Rufai, warned against moves to weaken opposition amid rumours on Obi, Kwankwaso
He cautioned that any political realignment capable of weakening the party’s growing momentum ahead of the 2027 elections could undermine democratic competition, as speculation persists over the possible defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Speaking with The Nation on Saturday, Rufai said while there were indications of movement within political blocs, particularly in Kano, it would be premature to draw conclusions about the positions of key figures.
“From Kano, where I come from, some members of the Kwankwasiyya movement are already moving to another party, that is clear. But to say Kwankwasiyya, or the Obidient movement, is moving wholesale, you cannot say that for sure, because they have not said a word. So we are watching,” he said.
Rufai stressed that political choices remain a fundamental right in a democratic system, noting that individuals and groups are free to align with parties they believe offer the best chance of electoral success.
“Everybody has the right to choose the party they want. Everybody has the right to do what they feel is the best way to win,” he said.
However, he warned against actions that could distort the democratic process, including attempts to pressure political actors or compromise institutional neutrality.
“What we are saying is let democracy work. Not to intimidate people, not to compromise institutions that are supposed to be independent in a democracy to be doing the bidding of government,” he added.
The ADC youth leader described his party as a resilient platform that has evolved into a major opposition force, arguing that its recent growth reflects increasing public confidence.
“The ADC is a party of endurance. It is not just a party, it is a movement aimed at strengthening democracy,” he said.
Rufai maintained that the party’s expanding support base positions it strongly for the 2027 elections, citing rapid membership growth as an indicator of its rising influence.
“Looking at the indices, the ADC has the strength to win the 2027 election. We have recorded close to four million registered members within just one month,” he said.
He argued that any attempt to disrupt that momentum would not only affect the party but could also weaken democratic accountability by limiting viable opposition.
“Any attempt to neutralise the momentum the ADC has built is not good for our democracy. It will amount to a betrayal of the trust of the people,” he said.
Rufai, however, insisted that regardless of individual decisions, the priority should remain the protection of democratic principles and the strengthening of competitive politics.
He said the ADC would continue to position itself as a platform for broad-based participation, while urging stakeholders to avoid actions that could weaken institutional credibility or public confidence in the electoral process.
