ADC

A prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has restated his claim that he emerged winner of the 2023 presidential election, despite the official results announced by electoral authorities.

Obi spoke on Saturday during the Naija Unfiltered podcast. He said the declared outcome did not match what he believes to be the true result of the poll.

“I can show you today, as far as I’m concerned, I have run election for the office of the President of Nigeria and won. But the system decided otherwise and they know it,” he said.

He stressed the point again, adding: “And we won. I can show you today as far as I’m concerned. I have run election for the office of the President of Nigeria and won. But the system decided otherwise and they know it.”

Obi was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election. He polled about six million votes in the contest.

By Mohammed Usman (Noble-pen)

Let’s talk beyond political party affiliation. Let’s tell ourselves the brutal truth.

Believing that all these people under the shade of one political party, ADC, and many more to move into it, are after the interest of the poor, the masses, instead of themselves, is the gravest mistake one will ever make. 

All these people have their own vested and individual interests, which spurred them to cross-carpet into the party, which seems to them promising, full of potential, and offering vistas for achieving those interests. And you know what? The poor, the masses, are the last thing they think of. Let alone the country’s future. 

Let me give you a practical, relatable elaboration on this by picking the few and the major points among them. Maybe, that way, you will understand what I am trying to say here.

1. Atiku Abubakar 

This person has been investing heavily and persistently in his ambition to become the country’s president. He never reneged since he started. He had been spending billions of naira on it. Therefore, do you sensibly think working for the poor, the masses, will be his top priority when he attains the power he has been so adamantly vying for, instead of looking for a return on his financial and material investment for years before? Don’t forget, he is a business-oriented person. And you should know what I mean. 

2. Nasir El-Rufai 

This person was once one of the cocks of the work of the current brutal government under the auspices of the APC. They entrenched it with their sweat and blood. And he never felt sorry for the poor suffering under the coarse, clueless policies of the government until the government, headed by Tinibu, betrayed him and denied him the opportunity he was dying for: a ministerial post and a place at the driving force of the government. That marked the genesis of his enmity towards the government and turned him into one of its most blunt and fierce foes. Hence, his decision to move to SDP, which refused him, then to ADC. His mission is purely to take vengeance on the government which made him an outcast rather than to save the poor masses from the bondage and shackles of poverty and insecurity, which they have been grappling with for donkey’s years.

3. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso 

Just like El-Rufai, Kwankwaso is being driven by the force of spite and vendetta over the betrayal he suffered at the hands of his once political apprentice accomplice, Abba Gida Gida. His mission is driven solely by the quest to uproot the government of Abba Gida Gida, rather than by the welfare of the people of Kano State. However, he is a politician with very, very good antecedents. No one can deny that. But he is not into ADC for the masses. No. 

4. Nasiru Gawuna 

This was once an accomplice to the current merciless APC government, who fought a political battle—over his inspiration for the Kano state gubernatorial office—with Kwankwaso and his boy, Abba Gida Gida, but lost to them. He was once their worst enemy. But today, he and the Abba’s boss kwankwaso have leagued up as sweet friends in another political party (ADC) each with different and individual vested interest: kwankwaso to dislodge the assumed betraying government of Abba Gida Gida as well as to occupy an influencial office in the presidency; while Gawuna, to use it as an opportunity to become the kano state governor which he failed to in his previous opposition party APC. 

4. Peter Obi 

This person has the worst political andecedent, being the former governor of Anambra State and has—allegedly— a strong affiliation to IPOB, being the terrorist and outlawed political group in Nigeria, which had been perennially insurgent and rebellious to successive Nigerian governments with their impossible mission of dividing the country and taking their own share, which they aimed to call BIAFRA. So Peter Obi might clearly have this scheme hidden in his mind to, when he tapped the supreme power —presidency—become instrumental for the IPOB to finally make it possible to see the last light —they have been dying and killing people for—at the end of the tunnel, and reach their daydreamed-promised land. Polarising the country is the plot of his horizon. 

Likewise, if you pay very close attention to the other people who will be cross-carpeting into the party, ADC. You will notice that they were once fundamental figures in the previous governments who failed the masses and never took concrete, robust action to save their lives and property. Let alone improving their welfare and standard of living. Tell me, when did they change to be trusted with our mandates and entrusted with our lives once again, simply because they moved into another political party? The same applied to the others who are beneficiaries of the current APC government and are now quitting it for the shining party of the day, ADC.

Let me wrap up by telling you the secret of these Nigerian politicians. 

The fact is, they are always the same set of people.  They only switch color and identity by jumping from one political party to another— using the very public funds they looted while occupying the public offices they were once either elected or appointed into — with romanticized manifestations to sway the minds of the poor masses and pave a wider way for themselves to achieving their vested and selfish interest; increasingly impoverish the already poor masses, steal their future and the future of their children and grandchildren; while enriching themselves, their children and grandchildren, making their lives and future always the brighter.

And mind you, they switch political parties based on their analysis of which political party the poor masses lean their attention and hope towards. This means that it’s always the previous, unchanging enemies the masses mistake for their beloved ones and the beacon of hope, revolution, and transformation. 

Therefore, until the poor citizens of Nigeria understand these Nigerian politicians’ Machiavellian formula and devise a way to dismantle it—instead of continuing with their primitive thinking that their problems lie with one political party and that the solutions are in another—they shall continue to live in bondage, suffering, humiliation and destitution.

Mohammed Usman (Noble-pen) is the Author Of “Butterfly’s Wings.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has disclosed that it has yet to obtain a venue in Abuja less than 24 hours before its planned national convention, raising concerns over alleged obstacles facing the party.

A senior member of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, made this known on Monday through a post on his X account. He outlined what he described as repeated setbacks, including refusals from both government-controlled and privately owned facilities.

Ologbondiyan explained that the party formally requested the use of Eagles Square and submitted an application to the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He noted that although the letter was acknowledged, approval has not been granted.

“As the bromide has shown, a letter was presented to the Office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister for a permit to use the Eagles Square. The letter was acknowledged but no response,” he stated.

He also said efforts to secure the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium were unsuccessful despite several engagements with officials of the Federal Ministry of Sports.

“The ADC team paid several visits to the Ministry of Sports officials at the MKO Stadium. At the end, ADC was refused the use of the Velodrome,” the statement added.

The party further alleged that private event centres in Abuja have declined its requests due to fear of possible harassment or reprisals.

“To make matters worse, privately owned event centres in Abuja are turning down the ADC’s requests for fears of harassment in various forms from the government,” he said.

Despite these challenges, the ADC maintained that its national convention will go ahead as scheduled in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in line with its earlier notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“All ADC members, teeming party supporters and indeed all Nigerians are assured that, as contained in the NOTICE issued to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), the ADC National Convention will hold in Abuja as scheduled on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026,” Ologbondiyan declared.

The development follows earlier claims by the party that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is attempting to suppress opposition activities. The ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, had earlier alleged that access to Eagles Square was ignored, while the Velodrome was denied on the grounds of a scheduled sporting event.

The venue challenge comes at a time when the party is dealing with internal leadership disputes involving factions linked to David Mark and Nafiu Bala. This followed the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu in 2025.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has not recognised either faction, pending a court decision, which has added to the party’s difficulties in organising the convention.

Prominent opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rauf Aregbesola have also raised concerns. They recently staged a protest at the INEC headquarters, where they accused the federal government of undermining opposition parties.

However, the Presidency has rejected the allegations. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare stated that all political parties are entitled to equal rights under the law.

With time running out and no confirmed venue, the ADC’s resolve to proceed with its convention points to possible tensions between the party and relevant authorities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Activist Aisha Yesufu has added her voice to calls for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan.

She argued that Amupitan should step down from his position, citing what she described as partisan conduct.

Yesufu, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made her position known in a post shared on X. She stressed that the opposition party is serious about its mission and should not be taken lightly.

In her post, she wrote: “I love how active Nigerians have become! #ActiveCitizens

“I always focus on the little wins. They snowball into the big wins.

“Some years ago, Amupitan would have gotten away with what he tried to do.

“At this stage it becomes mandatory that #AmupitanMustGo. My party is not here to play!

“The most painful part of all of this for me is that I will not be in the country for my FIRST party convention.

“I have accepted months ago to be at a workshop in Brazil. ADC Arise.

Her comments come amid growing criticism from different quarters over the leadership of the electoral body.

The development reflects increasing political tension as opposition figures continue to question the neutrality of the commission ahead of future elections.

By Anas Abbas

The African Democratic Congress has taken legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission, challenging the removal of some of its leaders from the commission’s official records.

The party, under the leadership of David Mark, filed the suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking judicial intervention over what it described as an unlawful decision by the electoral body.

According to the ADC, INEC’s action in altering its leadership records is inconsistent with due process and threatens the internal structure of the party. The party insists that the changes were made without proper consultation or adherence to established legal procedures.

The suit is asking the court to determine the legality of INEC’s move and to compel the commission to restore the affected leaders to its official records.

The development comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the party, which has drawn public attention in recent days. The ADC maintains that the matter is an internal affair and should not warrant interference from the electoral umpire.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not publicly responded to the lawsuit.The case is expected to test the extent of the electoral body’s powers in regulating party leadership structures, particularly as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of future elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has affirmed his readiness to back whichever candidate emerges as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking in an interview with DW Hausa, Atiku dismissed claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could undermine the ADC, noting that the party continues to grow in popularity across the country.

The INEC had announced on Wednesday that it would stop further communication with the ADC leadership and would not oversee the party’s national convention scheduled for April 14. The electoral body cited a court ruling for its decision. However, the ADC rejected INEC’s position, accusing the commission of misinterpreting the ruling, and vowed to proceed with its planned convention and other activities.

On the party’s presidential ticket, Atiku stated: “We will support and endorse whoever emerges as the flag bearer. How many are we (presidential aspirants), three or four? In the PDP, more than ten of us contested.”

Atiku also highlighted the ADC’s commitment to youth and women participation. “The youths have taken over the party. Most of those seeking elective positions, from councillor to state assembly, national assembly and House of Representatives, are young people. We have always said our party belongs to youths and women. Our role is to create the opportunity and hand it over to them,” he said.

Asked if he could support a young presidential candidate, Atiku replied: “Yes, why not. Allah has done everything for me. I have brought my sons and grandchildren home. What will be their future and that of their children?”

He expressed confidence that Nigerians are ready for change amid worsening economic and security challenges. “We are confident that Nigerians are yearning for change. They are ready for it. They are being pushed to the wall and are prepared to do even more than they did in the previous elections,” Atiku said.

The former vice president also linked rising insecurity, particularly in northern states, to youth unemployment and limited access to education. “Insecurity is more severe in the northern states, largely due to youth unemployment and lack of access to education. When you go round the region, you see that education is not receiving the attention it deserves. It has been relegated. Governments have not ensured that children enrol in school, and even when they graduate, there are no jobs or business opportunities. I have never witnessed a period like this in Nigeria,” he said.

Atiku further accused the government of tolerating corruption, saying: “There is also embezzlement on the part of government and corruption is rampant. The government has turned a blind eye because it is involved.”

This statement underscores Atiku’s positioning within the ADC as the party prepares for its national convention and the 2027 general elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the appointment of envoys in 12 major cities across the world. The party said the move is part of efforts to draw international attention to what it described as a “growing pattern of undemocratic practices and attacks on opposition members” in Nigeria.

The development comes shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew recognition from both the faction led by David Mark and another group headed by Nafiu Bala.

In a statement issued by Mohammed Haruna, INEC’s commissioner for information and voter education, the commission explained that it would not relate with either faction. It based its decision on a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal. INEC also stated that it would stay away from any meetings or activities organised by the groups until a pending case before the Federal High Court is resolved.

The decision has generated strong reactions. The Mark-led faction of the ADC called for the removal of INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan. The group argued that the commission’s position reflects bias and weakens public confidence in the electoral body.

On Saturday, the party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed that the ADC has created a “special representatives network (SRN) in key foreign capitals” to deepen its international engagement and promote accountability in governance.

He alleged that since July 2025, there have been attempts “to destabilise opposition parties, undermine legitimate party leadership structures, and restrict democratic political participation”.

According to Abdullahi, the SRN will serve as a formal channel between the ADC and global stakeholders. He said selected individuals will act as envoys in strategic cities. Their role will include engaging foreign governments, legislative institutions, international media organisations, and Nigerians in the diaspora.

He added that the representatives will keep their host countries informed about political developments in Nigeria. These include issues related to governance, human rights, election credibility, and what he described as pressure on opposition figures. They will also present the party’s policy ideas and reform agenda.

Abdullahi noted that the initiative is designed to reinforce the party’s image as “a responsible democratic actor” and present it as a credible alternative for leadership.

The ADC listed Washington DC, London, Brussels, Berlin, Ottawa, Paris, Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Accra, Geneva, and New York as the cities where the envoys will operate.

The party also revealed plans to launch a documentation system across the country. Abdullahi said this mechanism will record incidents that affect political participation.

“State party structures will gather information on incidents including threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests, and disruptions of political activities,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said it will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention, despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrawing recognition of its leadership.

In a statement issued on Friday by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC outlined a timetable for the exercise, which is scheduled to run from April 7 to April 14, 2026.

According to the party, activities will begin with the screening of aspirants and conclude with a national convention at the end of the exercise.

“This is to notify all party members that, despite INEC’s illegal actions, the African Democratic Congress will continue with its congresses as scheduled, having duly notified INEC by our letters dated 27th February 2026 and 28th March 2026.

“Screening of Aspirants—7th April 2026; Appeals on Screening Exercise—8th April 2026; Polling Unit, Ward, and Local Government Congresses – 9th April 2026; Appeals on the Congresses-10th April 2026; State Congresses-11th April 2026; Appeals on the State Congresses-12th April 2026 and Convention-14th2026; April 2026,” the notice reads.

The development follows INEC’s recent decision to delist the party’s leadership under former Senate President, David Mark.

The ADC has criticised the move and called for the resignation of the commission’s chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan.

In response, Amupitan explained that INEC acted due to an ongoing court case. He warned that if the party goes ahead with the exercise in violation of judicial directives, any electoral victory recorded by the ADC could be nullified.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against proceeding with its planned congress and convention in violation of a subsisting court order.

The commission warned that any action taken in disregard of the court directive could attract serious legal consequences, including possible disqualification from future elections.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), made this known during an interview on Arise News on Friday. He stated that the commission is already involved in the legal dispute affecting the party, as it has been joined as a defendant in the case.

“As far as we are concerned, INEC is a party in the case and INEC was sued as a defendant by a member of the ADC.

“Secondly, the court is very clear that parties, including David Mark himself, should refrain from doing anything that will fuel the situation of inter-complaints in the court.”

He stressed that the party must consider the implications of its decision in relation to the existing court ruling.

“If they are going ahead with their congress, with their convention, it is left for them to look at it, whether it is in contravention of the Court of Appeal.

“INEC did not just take a decision. We didn’t just wake up one day and take the decision. There was something that led to it.

“There was an order of court not to do anything or take any step that would render any proceeding in court negatory, and also put the trial court in a situation of helplessness of inter-complainants.”

Amupitan explained that the matter of the congress and convention is already before the court. He warned that taking steps before the court reaches a decision could affect the judicial process.

“So, if already they asked not to do any congress and convention, it is a relief that is being claimed, essentially the file in motion for that purpose which has not been determined,” he said.

He also referred to past cases in Zamfara and Plateau states, where political parties suffered setbacks after failing to obey court orders.

“If they decide to go ahead with their congress and convention, let me tell you what happened in Zamfara,” he said.

“It has happened in the past, and we don’t want to conduct an election without this early warning, and at the end of the day, after you have won, the court will again declare your election invalid.

“The implication is that the person with the second highest number of votes will be declared a winner. It happened in Plateau State during the last election where the question of primaries was an issue.

“Congresses were not held in some parts of Plateau state. The court said, go and do those primaries.

“Unfortunately, they did not obey the court order. Failure to obey the court order has consequences.”

The INEC chairman added that while the ADC is free to make its own decisions, the commission will not take any step that could violate a court order or interfere with the case.

“They are at liberty to do whatever they want to do but INEC will not want to go into a situation where there is an order of don’t do anything, don’t take any step,” he said.

“The judgment is very definite. If I proceed to monitor their convention, it means I’m taking steps that will affect the subject matter pending before the court.”

Earlier in the week, INEC announced that it had suspended recognition of the faction of the ADC led by former Senate President, Senator David Mark, based on a court ruling. The commission also removed the names of the party’s leaders from its portal and replaced them with the note, “By court order.”

In response, the ADC called for the immediate resignation of the INEC chairman. The party accused the commission of bias and alleged that it was undermining Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Abuja, Senator David Mark criticised the decision to withdraw recognition from the party’s leadership. He said the ADC no longer has confidence in the commission.

He insisted that the party would continue its internal activities in line with the law. He also called on the international community to monitor developments within Nigeria’s electoral system, warning that recent actions by INEC could threaten democratic stability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Presidency has rejected calls from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan.

Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said ADC chieftains, including Interim National Chairman David Mark, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi, cannot instruct Amupitan on his duties.

This statement follows a press conference held by ADC leaders in Abuja on Wednesday, where they urged President Tinubu to remove Amupitan, alleging he is incapable of conducting credible elections in Nigeria.

Ajayi, responding on X, said, “We all can at least agree that the INEC chairman is at the top of his career academically and professionally – a teacher of law, Professor of law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“What this means is he sure knows what ‘status quo ante bellum’ means. Senator David Mark, Mr. Peter Obi, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, certainly, can’t teach him what that Latin legal maxim means.

“It is bad politics for ADC people to make their own internal crisis of choice a problem of Professor Amupitan, that of President Tinubu and APC.”

The Presidency’s response underscores its position that Amupitan’s professional qualifications and experience place him beyond political pressures from opposition party disputes.