Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare, has declared that there is no basis for comparing the newly adopted opposition coalition fronted by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with the 2013 merger that birthed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He described the current coalition move as a desperate and self-serving power grab ahead of 2027 general elections.
In a statement posted to his verified X handle (@SundayDareSD) on Thursday, the presidential spokesperson said the coalition, which several opposition politicians are championing as a pathway to reclaim national power, is not rooted in principle or justice, but “purely opportunistic.”
He stated: “Heads up for Nigerians about ADC — There is no injustice to redress—only avaricious ambition to satisfy,” stressing that unlike the APC’s emergence in 2013, the current coalition is not driven by national interest.
According to him, the new opposition alliance is being led by “a serial election loser, clutching at what he clearly sees as his last shot at the presidency.”
Dare noted that the coalition’s chief promoter lacks the backing of key political constituencies, including his own state governor and region, and has no substantial political structure to lean on.
“Unlike Tinubu, he enters the coalition alone—without the backing of his state governor, his region, or any meaningful political structure. His ambition is personal, not patriotic. So also that of his many co-travelers,” the presidential aide further stated.
Drawing a sharp contrast with the APC’s founding, he recalled that the 2013 merger was built on strategic discipline and collective sacrifice.
Emphasising on the leading role played by President Bola Tinubu, who put national interest above personal ambition at the time, Dare said “In 2013, the merger that birthed the APC was driven by selflessness, national interest, and strategic discipline. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, despite commanding the loyalty of several sitting governors, chose to wait. He bided his time, played the long game, and focused on building a viable political platform”.
The presidential spokesperson also referred to the unifying influence of then-General Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as “a man seen as a symbol of integrity” and a rallying figure with a national grassroots following—something he claimed the current coalition sorely lacks.
He stated: “No one in this coalition commands that kind of loyalty or trust. Not one of them could genuinely unite a ward, let alone a country”.
Dare also explained that the APC merger in 2013 was rooted in legitimate grievances, including the constitutional denial of power to a marginalised region and a collective desire to end what many saw as 16 years of misrule by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
His words: “The APC coalition emerged to address real grievances: the constitutional denial of power to a region that had been unfairly sidelined and to end the 16 years of ruinous governance by the PDP. It was a coalition grounded in justice and balance”.
In contrast, he said, the current attempt lacks any ideological or national cause, especially as the presidency is already zoned to a region that, in his words, is “rightfully due.”
“This new coalition? It’s purely opportunistic. The presidency already rests with the region rightfully due. And that’s where it will be till 2031,” Dare stated for effect.
While the opposition maintained that the country needed a credible alternative, the presidential aide insisted the difference between 2013 and today is as clear as day.
“Let’s be clear: this is not 2013—and this is not the APC”.
Deji Elumoye
Follow us on:
