ABUJA — The Presidency has predicted that the newly formed coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will disintegrate within six months, citing a lack of ideological foundation and direction.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, argued that the ADC-led coalition lacked substance and policy alternatives. Bwala also pointed to comments made by the Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, who recently warned that internal conflict, especially over presidential ambitions, could destabilize the alliance.
Baba-Ahmed had cautioned that the hype surrounding the coalition must be tempered, warning that competition over leadership could prove divisive. However, Bwala dismissed any potential threat from the coalition, stating it lacked both credibility and vision.
“This coalition is made up of displaced politicians who haven’t presented any coherent alternative policies. During Peter Obi’s interview, for instance, he failed to articulate any clear disagreement with the current administration’s policies,” Bwala said. “They merely issue criticisms without offering solutions. The alliance is destined to fall apart within six months.”
He further argued that the coalition’s members were more concerned with personal ambitions than national interest. “Datti Baba-Ahmed himself admitted the coalition’s greatest challenge will be the scramble for the presidency. Everyone wants to lead. It’s only a matter of time before it all unravels.”
FG: We Remain Focused Despite Political Distractions
In a related development, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to governance, dismissing concerns over the coalition’s emergence.
Speaking at a press briefing, Idris emphasized that President Tinubu’s administration would not be distracted by political maneuvering. “While we respect every Nigerian’s right to free speech and association, we remain focused on implementing critical reforms for national growth,” he said.
He highlighted the administration’s achievements, including a decline in oil theft, rising investor confidence, improved inflation trends, and the expansion of initiatives such as student loans, consumer credit access, and agriculture mechanization programmes.
Idris also mentioned the recent signing of four tax reform bills expected to enhance Nigeria’s economic prospects by 2026. “Opposition groups may attempt to distract the nation, but this administration remains committed to building a prosperous Nigeria,” he concluded.
Katsina Governor Labels Coalition as Assembly of Disgruntled Politicians
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, in an appearance on Sunrise Daily, also criticized the new coalition, suggesting that many of its leaders are bitter over losing power.
“Most of them were part of the last administration. They are crying today because they no longer hold public office. Nigerians should ask what new ideas they truly bring to the table,” Radda said. He challenged them to disclose their plans, particularly on issues like fuel subsidy, and how they intend to fund such policies.
Ekiti Governor Denies Defection Claims
Meanwhile, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, dismissed reports suggesting that he and other APC leaders in the state were defecting to the ADC. In a statement issued by his media aide, Yinka Oyebode, Oyebanji described the claims as baseless and misleading.
“There is no truth to these rumors. Governor Oyebanji and other state officials remain committed members of the APC,” the statement read.
ADC Mobilizes Legal Team to Counter Lawsuit
The ADC has assembled a 97-member legal team to challenge what it called a “fraudulent” lawsuit against its interim leadership, including former Senate President David Mark and ex-Minister Rauf Aregbesola. The party claims the suit was orchestrated by the APC using names of individuals unaffiliated with the ADC.
Mohammed Sheriff, head of the legal support team, confirmed that the lawyers had volunteered to defend the party’s leadership against the alleged politically motivated suit.
David Mark Vows Inclusive Leadership in ADC
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, David Mark, now serving as ADC’s Interim National Chairman, promised transparency and equity in the party’s leadership.
He emphasized that no individual would dominate the party’s affairs, and that every member would have equal standing. Mark also criticized the APC, questioning its failure to address insecurity despite earlier promises to do so.
Mass Defections in Borno as Politicians Join ADC
In Borno State, key political figures from both the APC and PDP have defected to the ADC in what appears to be a growing shift ahead of the 2027 elections.
Former governorship aspirant Alhaji Idris Durkwa and youth mobilizer Sheriff Banki led the wave of defections. Joining them were former PDP national and state-level candidates, including Saleh Kida, Ali Wurge, Babakura Abba Yusuf, Abdulrazaq Ahmed Zanna, and others.
Speaking on the defections, Banki said, “This is a response to the failed leadership under the APC. Nigerians are facing economic hardship and security challenges, despite promises of renewed hope.”
Prominent PDP Figures Join ADC in Ondo
Former PDP governorship candidates Eyitayo Jegede and Agboola Ajayi have also defected to the ADC in Ondo State, alongside other party stalwarts. At the coalition’s inauguration, Prof Bode Ayorinde emphasized grassroots support and said the coalition would focus on real work, not political titles.
“This is a coalition of inclusion,” Ayorinde said. “We’re not here to share money or jostle for positions; we’re here to fix what’s broken.”
ADC Won’t Surrender Party Structures — Lukman
Salihu Lukman, a key coalition figure, has declared that the ADC will not hand over its structures to any presidential hopeful, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, or Rotimi Amaechi.
In an interview on AIT, Lukman stressed that the coalition’s strength lies in its institutional structure, not individual ambitions. “We negotiated with party leadership, not individuals. The ADC must regulate all members—aspirants and elected officials alike,” he stated.
He revealed that the coalition underwent extensive due diligence before aligning with the ADC and called on all members to continue suspending personal ambitions until the party structure is fully stabilized.
Obi Faces Threat of Expulsion from Labour Party
Labour Party chieftain Abayomi Arabambi claimed that Peter Obi could be expelled from the party for associating with the ADC coalition while still a member of LP. He said the party would convene a National Executive Council meeting to take disciplinary action.
“It is unconstitutional to belong to two parties. Obi has been misled, and we will take necessary steps,” Arabambi stated on Channels Television.
LP Leadership Rejects Expulsion Threat
In response, the faction led by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman dismissed Arabambi’s statement, calling him and his associates “impostors” with no legitimate ties to the party.
In a statement by Obi’s adviser, Ken Eluma Asogwa, the faction reiterated that Obi’s involvement in coalition talks had full backing from the party. “Nigerians should ignore the theatrics of these political actors. Peter Obi remains a respected member of the Labour Party,” the statement concluded.
