2027: ADC reaffirms readiness for elections, dismisses exclusion rumours

The African Democratic Congress has reaffirmed its readiness to participate in the 2027 general elections, dismissing reports suggesting it may be excluded or unable to field candidates as unfounded.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who disclosed this in a statement released on Saturday, also vowed that ADC will present credible, competent, and widely acceptable candidates for all elective positions, insisting that it remains fully prepared and focused on strengthening its structures ahead of the polls.

The Supreme Court’s Thursday ruling on the ADC leadership crisis has been met with mixed reactions, with some observers concluding that it may be difficult for the coalition party to field candidates in the 2027 elections.

Saturday PUNCH exclusively reported that former governors Peter Obi of Anambra State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and other ADC leaders are expected to defect to the National Democratic Congress next week.

Reacting, the ADC said it remains the country’s leading opposition platform, maintaining a clear focus on organising, mobilising, and preparing to win the 2027 general elections.

It stated, “The African Democratic Congress wishes to state, clearly and unequivocally, that we remain focused on our mission to rescue Nigeria from the failure of the APC-led government and to prevent the dangerous slide toward a one-party state.

“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.

“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. “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.

“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,” the statement concluded.

ADC further urged its members, supporters, and all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard these baseless assertions, adding that the task before us is too important to be derailed by speculation.