By Onilede Titi Faith
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), has urged Nigerians not to measure its strength by its inability to secure seats in the August 16 by-elections.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, the party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the polls came too soon after a leadership transition and should not be seen as a reflection of the party’s relevance.
The by-elections, conducted to fill vacant seats following deaths or resignations after the 2023 general elections, saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) win 12 out of 16 seats.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), secured two seats in Anambra, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), won one seat each in Oyo and Kano respectively.
Abdullahi explained that the ADC was still undergoing restructuring at the time and could not field well-prepared candidates.
“For us, the election happened less than a month after we came into the party. Most of the candidates, we didn’t even know them, and that’s why we said we cannot judge the ADC by that,” he said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has since recognised the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC, with former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.
With this formal recognition, the new leadership is expected to drive reconciliation and nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abdullahi stressed that the ADC’s priority is to build a mass movement rather than chase short-term victories.
“We want Nigerians to get to 2027 and ask themselves: has this ruling party improved our lives or made them worse? If they want change, we want them to see our party as a viable alternative,” he added.
