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  • Bamidele Blasts ADC, Calls Party “Anti-Yoruba” During Ekiti Campaign Rally

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a political party allegedly formed to undermine Yoruba political interests and destabilise Nigeria.

    Bamidele made the remarks in Igede-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State during a campaign tour for the re-election bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

    APC Rallies Support In Ekiti

    The Senate Leader urged residents and party supporters to remain united behind the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning against voting for opposition parties he claimed could threaten peace in the state.

    “We are grateful for your support over the years. We in the APC are here to appreciate what you have done before and the constitution of the country allows a deserving governor to run for a second term,” he said.

    He added that ongoing development projects in the state were based on public input gathered during consultations across local governments.

    ‘ADC Is Anti-Yoruba Party’ Claim Sparks Reaction

    Bamidele also made a strong political statement against the ADC, describing it in controversial terms.

    “ADC is an anti-Yoruba party formed to destroy the nation. They said they have a candidate in Ekiti, and they want to claim government in Nigeria to disrupt the country. Don’t lose your votes,” he said.

    He urged supporters to consolidate their votes for the APC ahead of the election.

    Oyebanji Promises More Development

    Speaking at the same event, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji pledged continued development if re-elected, saying his administration still had several infrastructure projects in the pipeline.

    He also described the upcoming governorship election as a key political test, linking it to broader national political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Oyebanji said the APC was targeting a large vote margin in the state as part of efforts to demonstrate continued political strength in the South-West.

  • Amaechi Joins 2027 Presidential Race as Ex-Rivers Governor Picks ADC Nomination Form

    Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has officially entered the 2027 presidential race after obtaining the nomination form of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Amaechi, who also served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, disclosed that the form was purchased on his behalf on Friday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

    Oyegun Leads Form Collection

    The nomination form was obtained by former Edo State Governor and senior ADC chieftain, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

    ADC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Atiku Mohammed, presented the forms to representatives of the former Rivers governor during the exercise in Abuja.

    With the move, Amaechi has now become the second aspirant to formally join the ADC presidential contest ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    ADC Presidential Race Expands

    Businessman and politician Mohammed Hayatu-Deen had earlier secured both the expression of interest and nomination forms, becoming the first aspirant in the race.

    Amaechi’s entry is expected to further intensify political discussions within the opposition party as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

    Party Crisis and Defections

    The ADC has recently battled internal leadership crises and several court cases, creating uncertainty within the party.

    The crisis reportedly contributed to the exit of some notable politicians, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who later moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

    However, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi insisted that the defections were planned long before the party’s internal disputes escalated.

    ADC Speaks on 2027 Elections

    Despite the lingering legal battles and internal wrangling, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark has assured party members that the party would participate fully in the 2027 general elections.

    Amaechi’s latest move now places him among the early political figures positioning ahead of what is expected to be another fiercely contested presidential election cycle in Nigeria.

  • Bello El-Rufai Dumps APC for ADC as Reps Announce Fresh Wave of Defections

    Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The development was formally announced on Thursday during plenary at the House of Representatives.

    Speaker reads defection letters

    Speaker Abbas Tajudeen disclosed that Bello El-Rufai joined the ADC alongside two lawmakers from Kaduna State.

    They include Reps Umar Ajilo and Suleiman Yahaya Richifa, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The announcements were made as part of official communications at the resumption of plenary.

    More lawmakers switch parties

    The Speaker also confirmed the defection of Kamilu Ado, a Kano lawmaker, from the ADC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Similarly, Rep Joshua Obika, representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the FCT, resigned from the APC and joined the NDC.

    Reasons behind defections

    The lawmakers cited internal crises and uncertainty within their former parties as key reasons for their decisions.

    The latest moves reflect ongoing political realignments ahead of future elections, with shifting alliances across major parties.

  • “ADC Is His Party” — Lawmaker Accuses Atiku of Dominating Coalition

    A fresh rift may be unfolding within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition after a federal lawmaker, Hon. Ifeanyi Uzokwe, accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of dominating the group’s structure.

    The claim adds to ongoing concerns about internal disagreements ahead of the next election cycle.

    Claims of personal control

    Uzokwe alleged that key decisions within the coalition were being driven by Atiku rather than through collective agreement.

    According to him, tensions escalated after claims that the coalition was formed under Atiku’s personal influence.

    “We left ADC because His Excellency Atiku Abubakar said that coalition was formed in his house, that ADC is his party, that nobody will tell him anything,” he said.

    Dispute over primaries and zoning

    The lawmaker questioned the process for selecting candidates, insisting that all aspirants should be allowed to compete through transparent primaries.

    He suggested that Atiku should step aside to allow southern contenders to emerge.

    “Let him say he is stepping down… let Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and others go into primaries,” he stated.

    Uzokwe also referenced internal zoning discussions, claiming some factions had already conceded the presidential ticket to the South.

    ‘Mass movement’ claim rejected

    Dismissing narratives of a unified opposition front, Uzokwe accused some political actors of misleading Nigerians.

    “What are you telling me? Somebody that stood for election in 2023 and you are telling me about primaries. My brother, stop telling lies to Nigerians,” he said.

    He further claimed that multiple meetings were held among political stakeholders, but no consensus was reached on power-sharing arrangements.

    Coalition tensions deepen

    The remarks point to deeper divisions within the ADC coalition, particularly over leadership control and strategic direction.

    With political realignments continuing, the situation is likely to shape how opposition forces organise ahead of 2027.

  • Akpabio Declares ADC ‘Dead’ as Defections Rock Party, Lawmakers Move to NDC, Labour

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is effectively “dead” following a wave of defections by lawmakers to other political parties.

    He made the remark during plenary on Tuesday while reading letters announcing the latest movements in the National Assembly.

    Akpabio reacts to rising defections

    Akpabio’s comment came after several lawmakers formally announced their exit from the ADC.

    Among them were Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who defected to the Labour Party, and Senator Victor Umeh, who joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

    “Because I think ADC is dead,” Akpabio said, drawing reactions from lawmakers in the chamber.

    Lawmakers cite internal crisis

    In their letters, defecting lawmakers pointed to internal divisions and ongoing legal disputes within the ADC.

    Umeh described the situation as “unending litigation,” noting that it had made continued membership in the party difficult.

    “I remain committed to making my contributions towards the development of our dear nation, but this time through the NDC,” he wrote.

    Senate President jokes over frequency

    Akpabio also questioned the increasing rate of defections, suggesting lawmakers should streamline how such announcements are made.

    “How many times can you defect in a month? Once. But some have done three times,” he said.

    He proposed that lawmakers moving to the same party should submit joint notifications instead of individual letters.

    House of Representatives records similar trend

    The development extends beyond the Senate, as no fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives have also defected from the ADC to the NDC.

    Those affected include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu and others.

    Political realignment deepens

    The latest wave of defections signals ongoing realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Observers say the movement of lawmakers across parties reflects shifting alliances and internal struggles within opposition blocs.

  • Makinde Slams INEC Over ‘Hasty’ ADC Leadership Update Without Supreme Court CTC

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission for updating the African Democratic Congress leadership on its website without a Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment.

    He said the move raises concerns about due process and institutional credibility.

    Governor questions INEC’s action

    Speaking with journalists on Monday, Makinde said the commission acted prematurely by reflecting changes without sighting the official court document.

    “Nobody has seen the CTC… we were surprised that INEC went ahead to update the ADC leadership,” he said.

    He added that such a step by a national institution could undermine confidence in its operations.

    Warning over dangerous precedent

    Makinde cautioned that acting on unverified information could set a troubling standard.

    “What it means is somebody can whisper a court judgment and then they will go ahead and update that,” he said.

    He insisted that a professionally run organisation should rely strictly on verified documents before taking decisions.

    PDP defends interim committee

    The governor also addressed concerns surrounding the newly formed Interim National Management Committee within the Peoples Democratic Party.

    He maintained that the committee was properly constituted in line with the party’s constitution.

    “If you go to the constitution of the PDP… two-thirds of that membership came here. So it is legally constituted,” he stated.

    Party to engage INEC

    Makinde said the PDP would formally communicate its position to INEC and expects the commission to uphold democratic principles.

    “We will write to INEC… and allow the democratic space to accommodate opposition,” he said.

    He reaffirmed the party’s resolve to push for a stronger opposition, describing the situation as part of a broader struggle for democratic balance.

    “We will not give up… this is a battle for democracy,” he added.

    The remarks followed the PDP’s 103rd National Executive Committee meeting, where an interim committee was inaugurated to manage the party’s affairs amid ongoing leadership disputes.

  • ADC, Atiku Camp Dismiss NDC Defection Talks Amid Coalition Speculation

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have denied reports suggesting ongoing defection talks with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), pushing back against claims of a possible midweek announcement.

    The denial comes at a time of growing uncertainty within opposition ranks as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Atiku Camp Rejects Claims

    Reacting to the reports, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, dismissed any suggestion of talks involving the former vice president or former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

    “If that is the case, I will be the first to know. I don’t think that there’s anything like that,” Ibe said.

    His response directly contradicts claims that key figures within the opposition were already in advanced discussions with the NDC.

    ADC Labels Report ‘Rubbish’

    Within the ADC, party officials also distanced themselves from the speculation, insisting there were no such engagements.

    National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi described the reports in blunt terms.

    “100% rubbish,” he said, rejecting claims linking the party’s leadership to any defection arrangement.

    Speculation Grows After Recent Defections

    The rumours gained traction following the recent defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the NDC, a development that has triggered wider conversations about a possible opposition realignment.

    Since then, the NDC has increasingly been mentioned as a potential rallying platform for political figures seeking a new coalition structure.

    Coalition Talks Still Unclear

    Sources familiar with ongoing discussions suggest that while contacts may exist among political actors, they are more likely part of broader coalition conversations rather than direct plans to switch parties.

    With internal disputes still unresolved within the ADC and other opposition platforms, political stakeholders appear to be weighing multiple options ahead of the next election cycle.

    The situation remains fluid, with parties expected to clarify their positions in the coming weeks as preparations for 2027 intensify.

  • ADC Unveils 2026 Primary Timetable After Leadership Crisis Resolution

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced its full timetable for the 2026 primary elections, setting dates for nomination, screening, and party primaries across all elective positions.

    Nomination process begins May 5

    In a statement issued on Sunday by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the sale of nomination forms will run from May 5 to May 10.

    Submission of completed forms is scheduled for May 11 to May 13, followed by screening of aspirants between May 14 and May 15.

    The party added that screening results will be published on May 17, while appeals will be handled from May 18 to May 19.

    Primaries to hold from May 21

    According to the timetable, the final list of cleared aspirants will be released on May 20 ahead of the commencement of primaries.

    Elections into State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats will hold on May 21 at the ward level.

    Governorship primaries are fixed for May 22, while the presidential primary will take place on May 25.

    A National Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for May 26, followed by a Special National Convention on May 27 for final ratifications.

    Party sets nomination fees, discounts

    The ADC said the presidential nomination form is pegged at ₦100 million, while governorship forms cost ₦50 million.

    Senate forms are set at ₦20 million, House of Representatives at ₦10 million, and State Assembly at ₦3 million.

    The party also announced a 50 percent discount for youths and 25 percent for women and persons with disabilities.

    Move follows Supreme Court ruling

    The development comes days after the Supreme Court affirmed Senator David Mark as the party’s chairman following a prolonged leadership dispute.

    The ADC said the timetable reflects its commitment to internal democracy and compliance with electoral guidelines.

     

  • “I Am Not Desperate for Power” — Peter Obi Opens Up on Pressure, ADC Exit

    Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has opened up on the pressures he faces in Nigeria’s political space, while explaining his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Obi speaks on silent struggles

    In a reflective message shared on Sunday morning, Obi said many Nigerians do not understand the private emotional and psychological burdens carried by individuals working within the system.

    He described the current environment as toxic, marked by intimidation, insecurity, and constant scrutiny.

    “Many people do not truly understand the silent pains some of us carry daily… the private struggles and quiet battles we face while trying to serve sincerely,” he said.

    Concerns over Nigeria’s political climate

    Obi criticised what he described as a system that often works against the people, noting that even allies sometimes become sources of pressure.

    He said humility and compassion are often misinterpreted as weakness, while fairness is questioned in a society driven by status and power.

    “We live in a society where humility is mistaken for weakness… and compassion is treated as foolishness,” he stated.

    Clarifies reason for leaving ADC

    Addressing his exit from the ADC, Obi said his decision was not due to personal issues with party leaders.

    He maintained respect for figures such as David Mark and Atiku Abubakar, insisting that no individual conflict influenced his move.

    According to him, growing internal crises, court cases, and divisions within the party mirrored challenges he previously experienced.

    “The same Nigerian state and its agents that created crises in the Labour Party now appear to be finding their way into the ADC,” he said.

    Responds to criticism and attacks

    Obi also spoke about continued criticism even after stepping away, saying his intentions are often questioned despite efforts to engage constructively.

    He added that individuals working sincerely are sometimes treated as outsiders within their own political spaces.

    “When you choose to leave… you are still maligned and your character is questioned,” he said.

    Focus remains on Nigeria, not power

    The former governor stressed that his ambition is not driven by a desire for political office but by a commitment to national development.

    “I am not desperate to be President… I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not go to bed hungry,” he said.

    He highlighted issues such as insecurity, poverty, and displacement, calling for leadership rooted in service, compassion, and justice.

    Reaffirms belief in Nigeria

    Despite the challenges, Obi said he remains hopeful about the country’s future and committed to contributing to its progress.

    “A new Nigeria is possible,” he added.

  • Kwankwaso Denies Defection Plans, Says Talks Ongoing Amid ADC Crisis

    Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has dismissed reports claiming he has concluded plans to defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying no final decision has been made.

    Kwankwaso reacts to defection claims

    In a statement shared on his X account, Kwankwaso said ongoing consultations are being held but stressed that his political future remains undecided.

    “We have commenced wide-ranging consultations… to explore the best options for protecting our democratic interests,” he said.

    ADC crisis fuels consultations

    He pointed to the lingering leadership crisis within the ADC as a key reason for the ongoing talks.

    Kwankwaso noted that the recent Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed the David Mark-led leadership but returned parts of the dispute to the lower court, has left the party in a difficult position.

    Court rulings deepen uncertainty

    The former governor also referenced a Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the party’s convention, alongside moves to deregister the ADC.

    He said the situation mirrors the legal challenges that earlier forced him out of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

    “The ADC has now been also forced into this difficulty,” he stated.

    Talks with NDC, PRP ongoing

    Kwankwaso confirmed that discussions are ongoing with leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and other stakeholders.

    He assured that a final decision would be communicated at the appropriate time.

    No position yet on 2027 race

    Speaking on the 2027 presidential election, Kwankwaso said he has neither declared interest nor endorsed any candidate.

    He reiterated his history of supporting party unity, recalling his roles in previous primaries and elections.

    Absence from meetings explained

    Kwankwaso also clarified that his absence from recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to prior commitments, adding that party leaders were informed in advance.