Why Governors Have Yet to Join Us – ADC Interim Spokesperson

Why Governors Have Yet to Join Us – ADC Interim Spokesperson

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has claimed that fear of political intimidation is preventing serving state governors from joining its opposition coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday at the 3rd Expanded Meeting of the National Political Consultative Group (North), the party’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the alleged intimidation amounts to a conspiracy against the Nigerian people. He noted that while several prominent political figures have already aligned with the ADC’s coalition, no sitting governor has yet joined, largely due to fear of repercussions.

The ADC coalition, launched on July 1, includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former APC presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola currently serve as the party’s interim National Chairman and Secretary, respectively.

Abdullahi, a former Minister of Youth and Sports, explained that governors are reluctant to associate with the coalition because of pressure and threats. “We know that no serving governor will want to come to us now because of the kind of intimidation that they are facing,” he said. “Some of them who cannot jump to their party (APC) are saying we are endorsing their presidential candidate (President Tinubu). No problem. But what you are seeing is a conspiracy against the Nigerian people.”

He emphasized that the ADC is open to all Nigerians but is primarily focused on building a people-driven movement, not one controlled by individual political ambitions. According to Abdullahi, the party’s structure is intentionally designed to prevent hijacking and ensure it remains issue-focused.

“The ADC is not built for anybody’s ambition,” he said. “We don’t have any predetermined agenda. We don’t have any favourite aspirant or candidate. Nobody has ever had any conversation about who will be the party’s flag bearer. Our focus now is to build a political party that is strong enough to deliver on the mission that we have set for ourselves.”

Abdullahi also highlighted that the consultative meeting in Abuja was organized to address key issues affecting the northern region, particularly insecurity and regional unity. He said similar meetings are planned for other regions, all under the umbrella of the ADC’s national movement.

The ADC, he stressed, remains committed to creating a credible alternative platform for Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the current political trajectory.