The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over what it describes as “unwarranted anxiety” within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite the party controlling 31 states and holding nearly 90 percent of seats in the National Assembly.
Speaking during a televised interview, the ADC’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ruling party’s apparent nervousness suggests it may lack confidence in a free and fair electoral contest.
“Given their control of the majority of states and legislators, the APC should be operating from a position of strength. Yet, their actions show a party unsettled and concerned about opposition growth,” Mr Abdullahi said.
He argued that the APC remains heavily reliant on President Bola Tinubu as a unifying figure, warning that the party could face instability once his tenure ends. “If Tinubu’s influence is removed, the party risks fragmentation. He is the glue holding the APC together,” he added.
The ADC spokesman also described the APC as a “special purpose vehicle” originally created to secure the presidencies of former President Muhammadu Buhari and Tinubu, suggesting that the party has largely fulfilled that mission.
Regarding its own election strategy, Mr Abdullahi confirmed that the ADC is pursuing a consensus approach in selecting its 2027 presidential candidate. He said the method is cost-effective and intended to unify party stakeholders, adding that while direct primaries remain possible, indirect primaries will no longer be used under the amended Electoral Act.
“The ADC believes consensus is the most practical approach to presenting a credible candidate and ensuring party cohesion,” he said.
