Politics

Why Governors Are Afraid to Join ADC, Says Party Spokesman

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 28th, 2025.

Why Governors Are Afraid to Join ADC, Says Party Spokesman

ADC party

Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has claimed that intense pressure and fear of political retribution from the Federal Government are preventing state governors from aligning with their coalition.

Speaking during the third plenary meeting of the Northern Political Consultative Group (NPCG) held in Abuja on Saturday, Abdullahi emphasized that the ADC remains inclusive and welcoming to all, despite current political tensions.

According to him, “Governors currently in office are hesitant to join us due to the intimidation tactics being deployed against them. They’re under watch, and in some cases, being forced to declare support for presidential candidates not of their choosing. What’s happening is not just politics—it’s a coordinated effort against the will of the Nigerian people.”

Despite the challenges, Abdullahi reaffirmed the party’s openness to new members and insisted the ADC continues to represent the aspirations of many Nigerians disillusioned with the country’s current trajectory.

Addressing questions on the 2027 presidential race, Abdullahi stated clearly that the ADC is not yet discussing potential candidates.

“There’s been no internal dialogue about who will carry our flag in 2027,” he said. “It’s simply too early. Our priority right now is to strengthen the party and prepare it to fulfill its mission effectively.”

Earlier in the session, Babachir David Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and coalition member, echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the ADC will fully support whoever emerges from the party’s democratic selection process.

“The ADC is rooted in democracy. We will hold congresses and conventions to choose our candidates. It doesn’t matter where the candidate is from—North, South, East, or West—once the process is fair, the party and the Northern Political Consultative Group will stand behind the winner,” Lawal said.

So far, prominent political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi have expressed interest in the ADC’s presidential ticket.

The coalition has pledged to pursue all lawful avenues to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration. However, the President has brushed aside their efforts, labeling the group as a “coalition of confusion.”