The Presidential Campaign Council of the African Democratic Congress (ADC-PCC) has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming the ruling party is undermining Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system following the recent expansion of its presidential campaign lineup for the upcoming 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC director of media and publicity, alleged that the ruling party was attempting to consolidate political power by bringing opposition governors into its campaign structure without requiring them to formally defect from their respective parties.
Ologbondiyan described the development as an attempt to compromise political independence, arguing that the inclusion of opposition figures in the APC’s campaign machinery raised concerns about democratic competition and the future of opposition parties in Nigeria.
He alleged that the APC was using its political influence to draw opposition governors into its presidential campaign structure, describing the move as inconsistent with the principles of multiparty democracy.
The ADC-PCC spokesperson further claimed that the ruling party was pursuing an agenda that could concentrate political power in the hands of one individual. He also alleged that national institutions, security agencies and the judiciary were being used to weaken opposition forces.
Ologbondiyan called on Nigerians to reject what he described as an unacceptable political arrangement, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ welfare rather than focus on retaining political power.
He also criticised the APC over the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, citing hunger, financial hardship and insecurity as pressing issues requiring urgent attention from political leaders.
According to him, many Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities and protect themselves from insecurity, while political leaders remain focused on maintaining their positions.
Ologbondiyan warned that Nigeria’s democratic institutions were facing serious challenges, citing what he described as the suppression of dissenting voices, harassment of opposition figures and the alleged use of public institutions for partisan purposes.
He said the situation contradicted the democratic ideals championed by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other Nigerians who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for democratic governance.
The ADC-PCC spokesperson also expressed confidence in the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, describing them as experienced politicians capable of strengthening democratic institutions and promoting national unity.
Ologbondiyan said Atiku had the political experience and nationwide reach needed to address Nigeria’s challenges, restore public confidence in democratic institutions and unite citizens across the country.
He maintained that the former vice-president could contribute to addressing concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
The ADC-PCC subsequently urged Nigerians, media organisations, civil society groups and the international community to oppose what it described as the APC’s anti-democratic agenda and support efforts to preserve multiparty democracy
The criticism followed the APC’s announcement on Tuesday of an expanded presidential campaign council for the 2027 general election. The revised list includes Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun State; and Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra State.
Under the announced arrangements, Wike was appointed to coordinate the APC’s presidential campaign activities in Rivers State and the FCT, while Soludo and Adeleke were named coordinators for Anambra and Osun states, respectively.
Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, was also named deputy national coordinator for stakeholders’ mobilisation in the South-West, according to the published campaign council list.
What You Should Know
The African Democratic Congress is sounding the alarm over the ruling APC’s strategy to draft opposition figures—including sitting governors like Nyesom Wike, Ademola Adeleke, and Chukwuma Soludo—into its 2027 campaign framework without requiring formal party defection. The ADC argues that this blurring of political lines weakens genuine political opposition and concentrates too much power within a single party.
- Positive Impact: Greater collaboration across political divides could potentially reduce intense partisan friction during campaign seasons.
- Potential Concerns: It risks weakening vibrant opposition voices, creating a virtual one-party state, and eroding public trust in democratic checks and balances.
