The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said opposition parties must close ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that continued divisions among opposition leaders would only strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during an interview with Arise News on Thursday, ADC member Austin Okai said the coalition that adopted the party was formed to unite major opposition figures in a bid to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections. He argued that political disagreements and a lack of cooperation within the opposition had created opportunities for the ruling party to consolidate its position.
Okai said the coalition was inspired by the merger of opposition parties that unseated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, adding that a similar strategy was necessary to challenge the APC.
He blamed the opposition’s internal divisions for weakening its ability to effectively confront the ruling party.
“I blame the leadership of the opposition on the other side because APC is doing what it is doing because there is a lack of unity among the opposition leaders. And if we continue this way, APC will continue to do these things, undermining our democratic processes, ignoring the due processes, and take advantage of the lack of synergies among the opposition leaders.”
Okai welcomed recent calls for renewed coalition discussions, saying opposition parties should return to the negotiating table despite their differences.
“After this, they should come back again. I believe ADC leaderships, NDC leaderships, PRP leaderships must have a meeting. We can’t continue this way. We must allow what is called due processes in our democratic practices.”
Addressing the appointment of Kenneth Okonkwo as spokesperson for the ADC presidential campaign despite his earlier criticism of the party’s vice-presidential choice, Okai said the disagreement was rooted in regional interests rather than concerns about the nominee’s credibility.
He added that the issue had already been resolved internally.
“It’s a minor issue. We can politically dialogue and resolve it at the political dining table. It has been resolved. He has accepted the appointment.”
Responding to questions over the silence of the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, following his nomination, Okai dismissed suggestions of internal disagreement, insisting the former minister had accepted the position and was actively involved in preparations for the 2027 election.
“Amaechi is deeply involved in the road to 2027 presidency. He accepted it. He’s in the race. He’s already part of strategic meetings. His teams are working for the 2027 election.”
On the debate over zoning, Okai argued that electoral victory should take precedence over power-sharing arrangements.
“You zone power when you have power. We’re looking for strategy to win election. Let us get presidency first.”
He maintained that discussions on constitutional zoning reforms could come after securing electoral victory.
Commenting on litigation involving the party, Okai described court cases as common across political parties and insisted they would not derail the ADC’s preparations for the election.
He also called on Justice Peter Lifu to recuse himself from matters concerning the party, alleging bias.
“He should recuse himself… The party says they don’t trust him. He has so far demonstrated that he is biased and he has a personal interest on this case.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, Okai expressed confidence in the chances of the ADC presidential ticket led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, arguing that the country’s economic situation and public dissatisfaction with the current administration would work in the opposition’s favour.
“The chances are so bright… Nigerians have tested. They can testify to the economic situation, the naira value, the crisis across every region. So we don’t have option than to replace the government.”
Ademide Adebayo
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