...Says ADC crisis part of wider strategy to weaken rival parties
…Insists over one million Nigerians backing party despite pressure
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has raised alarm over what he described as a coordinated effort to systematically weaken opposition parties in Nigeria, warning that such actions could undermine the country’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Abdullahi alleged that recent crises within opposition parties are not coincidental but part of a broader political agenda.
According to him, parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and now the ADC, are being deliberately destabilised.
“All these things you are seeing are meant to achieve a particular end, which is to ensure that by 2027 there will be only one candidate on the ballot,” Abdullahi said.
He warned that the trend, if unchecked, poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, stressing that the weakening of opposition structures could erode electoral competitiveness.
Abdullahi described the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, including the controversy surrounding factional leader Nafiu Bala, as a symptom of external interference aimed at suppressing emerging political alternatives.
He argued that the party’s growing popularity, particularly among ordinary Nigerians, has made it a target.
“Why would they destroy PDP, destroy Labour Party, destroy SDP, destroy NNPP? Now they see that ADC… is rising. Now they want to truncate it,” he added.
The ADC spokesman linked the escalation of internal disputes within the party to the recent defection of former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Kwankwaso, noting that the move significantly boosted the party’s national relevance.
According to Abdullahi, Kwankwaso’s entry into the ADC altered the political landscape and triggered what he described as “calculated attempts” to destabilise the party.
“When Kwankwaso joined ADC, it sent shockwaves across the political landscape… that’s when the plots to destabilise us intensified,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Abdullahi maintained that the ADC continues to gain traction nationwide, revealing that over one million Nigerians have formally registered as members of the party.
He said the growing membership reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the current political order and a desire for credible alternatives.
On governance, Abdullahi criticised the Federal Government’s handling of national issues, particularly insecurity, citing recent violence in parts of Benue State and Kaduna State.
He also questioned the priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging a disconnect between leadership actions and the realities faced by citizens.
“Is that the kind of thing we want to continue? We know they don’t have anything to present to Nigerians,” he stated.
While acknowledging public concerns about the judiciary, Abdullahi expressed confidence that some courts remain committed to upholding democratic principles.
He described the judiciary as a critical institution capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s political process against undue interference.
“There are still courts in Nigeria that know they have a duty to democracy and to Nigeria,” he said.
Abdullahi concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and support the strengthening of opposition platforms, stressing that a vibrant opposition is essential for accountability and democratic governance.
“This is not about ADC alone; this is about Nigeria’s democracy itself,” he said.
