Welcome

Tag: ADC

  • Court Orders Deregistration of ADC, Four Other Political Parties

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a ruling that could have implications for political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment, holding that the affected parties failed to satisfy constitutional requirements necessary for their continued recognition as registered political parties in Nigeria.

    Parties Affected by Judgment

    The court’s decision affects the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Actions People’s Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Accord Party (AP).

    According to the judgment, the parties did not meet the standards stipulated under Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister political parties that fail to comply with constitutional and electoral obligations.

    Court Relies on Constitutional Provisions

    Justice Lifu noted that political parties are expected to fulfil specific legal and operational requirements to maintain their registration status.

    The court held that the affected parties fell short of those constitutional expectations, making them liable for deregistration under existing laws.

    Section 225 of the Constitution grants INEC the authority to remove parties from its register where they fail to meet prescribed conditions.

    Implications Ahead of 2027 Elections

    The ruling is expected to generate significant political debate as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

    The inclusion of the ADC among the affected parties has drawn particular attention due to its growing role in opposition politics and its association with prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    However, the legal battle may not be over, as the affected parties could challenge the ruling through the appellate courts.

    The judgment has introduced fresh uncertainty into Nigeria’s political landscape, with attention now turning to possible appeals and INEC’s next steps regarding the affected parties.

  • Atiku Camp Rejects Babachir Lawal’s Rigging Allegation

    The camp of African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has rejected allegations by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, that the party’s presidential primary was manipulated.

    Lawal had announced his exit from the party on Monday, claiming the primary election was rigged in favour of Atiku.

    Atiku’s Aide Demands Evidence

    Responding to the allegation, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phark Shaibu, said Lawal failed to provide any evidence to support his claims.

    “Having chosen to malign a democratic process, insult thousands of ADC members nationwide, and make grave allegations without presenting a shred of evidence, it has become necessary to set the record straight,” Shaibu said.

    According to him, the primary election was conducted across thousands of wards and produced a clear outcome that reflected the wishes of party members.

    “The truth is straightforward. The ADC presidential primaries were conducted across thousands of wards and produced a clear and decisive outcome. What Mr Lawal has offered Nigerians is not evidence,” he added.

    Questions Over Adamawa Outcome

    Shaibu also questioned Lawal’s criticism of the process, noting that the same primary election produced a result favourable to his family in Adamawa State.

    He referenced the emergence of Omar Suleiman, described as Lawal’s cousin, as the ADC governorship candidate in the state.

    “Nigerians are entitled to ask whether the process was only credible when it favoured his family and only rigged when it produced a presidential candidate he did not support,” Shaibu said.

    Religious Allegation Dismissed

    The Atiku camp also rejected Lawal’s allegation that the former vice president was pursuing a religious agenda.

    Shaibu argued that Lawal had turned to identity politics after failing to convince party members to support his preferred candidate.

    “Having failed to persuade ADC members to embrace his preferred candidate, he now seeks refuge in the divisive politics of identity,” he said.

    He added that such arguments do not address the economic and security challenges facing Nigerians.

    2027 Election Will Be Decided by Voters

    Shaibu maintained that Atiku’s public record and business achievements remain well known to Nigerians, describing him as committed to national unity and economic reforms.

    He stressed that the outcome of the 2027 election would ultimately be determined by voters rather than post-primary disputes.

    “The 2027 election will not be decided by tantrums, ethnic dog whistles, recycled grievances, or revisionist history. It will be decided by the Nigerian people,” he said.

  • Wike Questions ADC, NDC Credibility Over Primary Election Disputes

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised opposition parties over controversies surrounding their congresses and primary elections, saying recent developments have exposed their claims of promoting internal democracy.

    Wike made the remarks during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday while commenting on disputes that emerged from recent exercises conducted by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Wike Questions Opposition’s Claims

    According to the former Rivers State governor, opposition parties had consistently accused larger political parties such as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of imposing candidates on members.

    He argued that the same allegations are now being directed at parties that previously presented themselves as a better alternative.

    “You hear people talk about a particular party not doing something and promise that they are going to change the pattern. You have accused the APC of imposition, the PDP of imposition,” Wike said.

    “Now you have formed a new party, a new baby, a righteous baby. The messiah, the saviour that would come, what has happened now?”

    ADC, NDC Come Under Criticism

    Wike cited disputes that followed congresses and primary elections in ADC and NDC, saying the controversies weakened their public image.

    “ADC said they are the new face of democracy; they said it’s the kind of party that has not been polluted. What has happened is so dirty,” he said.

    “See what is happening in NDC. As small as they are, they cannot do a primary without protest.”

    The minister also referred to complaints raised by aspirants during party exercises, describing them as evidence of internal problems.

    Reference to ADC Presidential Primary

    Wike specifically mentioned the ADC presidential primary, which was rejected by presidential aspirants Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen over alleged irregularities and voter disenfranchisement.

    “Look at ADC, which said it’s a coalition to take over. While the congress was going on, two presidential aspirants came to say we cannot believe this, saying it’s criminality of the highest order, which tells you who is deceiving whom,” he said.

    Preference for Established Parties

    The FCT minister said Nigerians should assess political parties based on their actions rather than campaign promises.

    “Nigerians now know that you are all liars,” he added.

    Wike maintained that older political parties, despite their shortcomings, have gained experience in managing Nigeria’s political system.

    “My assessment is that I prefer the old parties that are already there. They have tested it and know what the Nigerian culture is all about,” he said.

  • Aisha Yesufu Withdraws From NDC FCT Senate Race After Party Halts Primaries

    Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has stepped down from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial race for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after the party reportedly decided not to hold primaries for the seat.

    The development, confirmed on Friday, effectively ends her short-lived ambition to contest for the FCT senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Party Decision Alters Political Calculations

    According to Yesufu, the NDC leadership resolved not to conduct internal elections for the senatorial seat in the FCT, a decision that automatically reshaped the contest within the party.

    She noted that while senatorial primaries were suspended, the party would still proceed with House of Representatives primaries in the FCT.

    “Our party has decided not to conduct primaries for the Senatorial seat in FCT Abuja. It however intends to conduct primaries for House of Representatives! Go ahead and make your choice known!” she said.

    Supporters Urged to Remain Focused

    Despite stepping back from the race, Yesufu urged her supporters not to lose focus, stressing that the broader political goal ahead of 2027 remains unchanged.

    She encouraged members of her support base to continue mobilising around wider electoral participation, particularly at the presidential level.

    “I urge each and everyone of you to remain calm and focus on the bigger picture which is the presidential election. Nigeria will be OK!” she added.

    Campaign Movement and Grassroots Engagement

    Yesufu also expressed appreciation to supporters of the #AishaForSenate movement, describing their backing as encouraging during her brief campaign period.

    She said she would continue her engagements across the six area councils of the FCT, promising to sustain her advocacy and grassroots outreach despite withdrawing from the race.

    “In the coming week I will be returning back to all the 6 Area Councils God willing to appreciate them for the warm welcome and continue to forge ahead for a #BetterFCT,” she said.

    Political Realignments Within NDC

    Yesufu had only recently declared her intention to contest the FCT Senate seat on May 6, shortly after joining the NDC from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a desire to participate more directly in political leadership.

    Her withdrawal comes amid speculation of internal realignments within the party over the FCT senatorial structure, although the NDC has not issued an official clarification.

    The development adds another layer to early political positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, as parties continue internal restructuring and candidate selection processes.

  • Atiku Defeats Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen to Clinch ADC Presidential Ticket for 2027

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Atiku was declared winner late Wednesday night in Abuja after the conclusion of the party’s presidential primary collation process.

    Atiku Defeats Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen

    The results were announced by the chairman of the ADC Presidential Primary Electoral Committee, Tunde Ogbeha.

    According to the official figures released, Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, who secured 504,117 votes.

    Economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen came third with 177,120 votes.

    Ogbeha declared Atiku winner after the two-day collation exercise concluded in Abuja.

    Rivals Reject Outcome

    Despite the announcement, both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen reportedly rejected the outcome of the primary election and the collation process.

    The details surrounding their objections were not immediately disclosed at the time of filing this report.

    The primary comes after weeks of consultations, negotiations and political realignments within opposition circles ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    Atiku Makes History Again

    The victory marks the fourth time Atiku will emerge as a presidential candidate in Nigeria’s political history.

    The former vice president previously contested presidential elections under different political platforms, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    His emergence is expected to shape fresh conversations within the opposition coalition as political activities ahead of 2027 continue to gather momentum.

  • Atiku, Amaechi Battle For ADC Presidential Ticket As Primaries Hold Nationwide

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi have participated in the presidential primaries of the African Democratic Congress amid growing internal rivalry over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

    The exercise, which took place simultaneously across 8,809 wards nationwide, comes as opposition figures intensify efforts to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Atiku Casts Vote In Adamawa

    Atiku disclosed through his X account that he voted at the Ajiya Ward Polling Unit in Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State.

    The former presidential candidate described the exercise as a demonstration of democracy and a major step towards rebuilding Nigeria.

    “This is democracy at work. The election taking place simultaneously in 8,809 wards in Nigeria is a major step in our quest to recover our beloved country and set it on the path of prosperity,” Atiku wrote.

    Amaechi Votes In Rivers

    Amaechi also participated in the exercise from his hometown in Ubima community, Rivers State.

    A video shared by ADC Vanguard showed the former Minister of Transportation arriving at the polling venue to cast his vote.

    The latest development further highlights the growing power struggle within the ADC coalition as several opposition leaders seek control of the party ahead of the next presidential election.

    Amaechi Targets Atiku’s Electability

    Amaechi recently stated during an interview on Trust TV that Atiku could lose the ADC presidential primary despite his long history of winning party tickets.

    According to him, the major issue before delegates should be electability rather than how many primaries a candidate has won in the past.

    “I listened when they said former Vice President said he never failed primary before. I hope this will be the first time he will fail primary,” Amaechi said.

    “But that’s not even the issue. The issue is that at all times that you have passed primary, you have not won election. So it’s about electability.”

    The former governor also questioned what Atiku still had to offer Nigerians after several presidential attempts.

    ADC Crisis Deepens

    The ADC had earlier postponed its presidential screening exercise following disagreements among stakeholders over moves to adopt a consensus candidate.

    The internal disagreements reportedly involve Atiku, Amaechi, and former presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

    The party has recently emerged as a platform attracting opposition politicians seeking to challenge Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.

     

  • ADC Raises Alarm After Aregbesola, Party Leaders Denied Access to El-Rufai at ICPC

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of obstructing access to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, after senior party leaders were denied permission to see him at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

    The party also alleged that heavily armed security operatives were deployed around the premises during the visit by its delegation.

    Aregbesola, ADC Leaders Denied Access

    In a statement issued on Friday by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said its delegation included former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, and Mallam Salihu Lukman.

    According to the statement, the delegation had visited the ICPC headquarters in Abuja to seek access to El-Rufai but was denied entry despite prior communication with the agency.

    “Earlier today, alongside the National Secretary of our party, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, Mallam Salihu Lukman, we visited the headquarters of the ICPC in Abuja to see Mallam El-Rufai. Despite prior communication and formal requests, we were denied access without any reasonable explanation,” the party said.

    ADC Alleges Intimidation

    The party further claimed the atmosphere around the ICPC office became tense after several truckloads of armed police officers arrived at the premises.

    According to the ADC, the deployment created the impression that authorities were attempting to intimidate opposition figures.

    “It is deeply troubling that a simple request by senior party officials to visit a detained colleague was met, not with professionalism, but with a show of force,” the statement added.

    The party accused state institutions of increasingly being used as tools for political pressure against opposition voices.

    ICPC Responds

    Reacting to the allegation, ICPC spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, said the court order regarding access to El-Rufai only covered family members, lawyers and doctors.

    “Court order for access to the defendant in our custody is for family members, lawyers and doctors,” he said.

    The Commission also questioned the ADC’s standing regarding visitation rights.

    “Within this context, please what is the ADC?” he added.

    Court Had Granted Bail

    El-Rufai is currently under investigation by the anti-corruption agency over allegations yet to be fully disclosed publicly.

    A Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier granted him bail in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in like sum.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the surety must own property in Maitama or Asokoro and meet other conditions, including proof of federal civil service status and salary records.

    The former governor’s detention has continued to generate political reactions, with opposition figures accusing the government of targeting dissenting voices.

  • Amaechi Says He Will End Identity-Based Politics if Elected President

    Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said he would end identity-based politics in Nigeria if elected President, insisting that governance must be based on citizenship rather than ethnicity or religion.

    The former Rivers State governor made the remarks in a video, where he criticised what he described as deepening divisions in Nigeria’s political system, saying they continue to shape elections and weaken national unity.

    “Citizens first, not tribe or religion”

    Amaechi said Nigerians should be treated equally regardless of background, adding that leadership should not be defined by ethnic or religious identity.

    “If I become President, there will not be this issue. There will be citizenship first and foremost, citizens of Nigeria,” he said.

    He argued that politicians often rely on ethnic and religious sentiments to mobilise voters, a trend he said must change.

    “All these, I’m from the West, North or East, and they are calling people to vote for you based on religion,” he added.

    Federal character under scrutiny

    The former governor also questioned the effectiveness of the federal character principle, saying it was designed to promote fairness but has in some cases contributed to inefficiency in governance.

    He suggested that Nigeria must rethink structural arrangements that encourage division instead of unity.

    “If it is because the system is unfair, one way to manage the system is to say give shares to areas,” he said.

    Linking insecurity to unemployment

    Amaechi also linked insecurity in the country to unemployment and weak governance systems, arguing that crime reduces when people are meaningfully engaged.

    “If everybody is employed… you won’t have time to rob,” he said.

    “You are at work by 6am and close by 6pm; you are too tired to carry a gun,” he added.

    Call for merit-based leadership

    He urged Nigerians to focus on competence and track record when choosing leaders, rather than identity-based considerations.

    Amaechi said Nigeria must move towards a system where performance, not ethnicity or religion, determines leadership selection.

  • Atiku Falls Ill As ADC Postpones Presidential Screening Amid Consensus Talks

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly fallen ill and was placed on bed rest, a development said to have contributed to the postponement of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential screening exercise.

    Sources within the party disclosed that Atiku became ill over the weekend and has been receiving treatment from his personal physician at home.

    The development comes amid growing internal consultations within the ADC over the party’s presidential screening process ahead of the 2027 election.

    ADC Shifts Screening Exercise

    The ADC had earlier announced the postponement of its presidential screening exercise from Monday to Wednesday.

    Party insiders said the delay was linked to ongoing discussions among leading aspirants and party stakeholders over the possibility of adopting a consensus candidate.

    Key figures reportedly involved in the talks include former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

    A source within the party said officials who visited Atiku over the weekend were informed that he was unwell.

    “We went to see him on Saturday to discuss the manifesto and they said he cannot come down because he was sick,” the source said.

    Another party source added that the former vice president remained indisposed as of Monday.

    “He fell seriously sick on Saturday. He was treated at home by his personal physician and placed on enforced bed rest throughout Sunday,” the source disclosed.

    Party Yet To Confirm Health Status

    According to insiders, ADC leadership was formally informed about Atiku’s condition after attempts to meet with him.

    “The party leadership was informed when they sought to see him. His current condition is still unclear,” another source said.

    The former vice president was last publicly seen during the submission of his nomination forms at the ADC national secretariat in Abuja before reports of his illness emerged.

    However, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed claims suggesting that the former vice president was seriously ill.

    ADC Cites Security Concerns

    Meanwhile, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, had earlier explained that the screening exercise was postponed due to internal adjustments and security concerns affecting some northern states.

    The party also announced that screening for certain federal lawmaker aspirants from affected northern areas would now take place in Abuja.

    As of the time of filing this report, the ADC had not officially confirmed Atiku Abubakar’s health condition.

  • Tambuwal Withdraws From Sokoto South Senate Race, Endorses ADC Candidate

    Former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has reportedly withdrawn from the 2027 Sokoto South Senatorial race.

    According to reports, the former governor stepped down from his reelection bid and endorsed Amb. Faruk Malami Yabo as the consensus candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the senatorial seat.

    Move Sparks Political Speculations

    The development has triggered reactions across social media and political circles, with many observers suggesting the move could signal bigger political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Some supporters claimed Tambuwal remains one of the most influential opposition figures in northern Nigeria and may be positioning himself for a national role.

    “You see that Tambuwal stepping aside from senate eeeh. I feel he is preparing to become VP,” one political observer wrote online.

    Others speculated that the former governor could align politically with Seyi Makinde, who recently declared his presidential ambition in Ibadan.

    Tambuwal’s Political Journey

    Tambuwal first gained national prominence as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State for three terms.

    He later emerged as Speaker of the House of Representatives, serving between 2011 and 2015.

    The former governor initially belonged to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 while serving as Speaker.

    In 2015, he won the Sokoto governorship election under the APC and governed the state for two terms.

    Tambuwal later returned to the PDP in 2018 after consultations with political stakeholders in Sokoto State.

    2023 Presidential Ambition

    Ahead of the 2023 general election, Tambuwal contested for the PDP presidential ticket.

    However, during the primary election, he stepped down from the race and directed his supporters to back former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who eventually emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.

    After completing his tenure as governor in 2023, Tambuwal returned to the National Assembly as Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District under the PDP.