The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has blamed alleged intimidation by the Federal Government for the reluctance of sitting governors to join its opposition coalition.
Speaking at the third plenary session of the Northern Political Consultative Group (NPCG) in Abuja on Saturday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the political climate is discouraging governors from defecting.
“No serving governor is willing to join us because of the intimidation they are facing,” Abdullahi stated. “Some are even forced to endorse the ruling party’s presidential candidate to avoid pressure. What we are seeing is a conspiracy against the Nigerian people.”
Despite this, Abdullahi reaffirmed the ADC’s openness to all Nigerians and clarified that the party has not begun discussions on a 2027 presidential candidate. “We have no preferred aspirant at the moment. Our priority is building a strong, credible political platform,” he added.
Also addressing the gathering, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, emphasized that the ADC will fully support whoever emerges from its internal democratic process—regardless of region.
Prominent politicians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi have reportedly shown interest in contesting on the ADC platform.
The ADC-led coalition has vowed to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, a move the President has dismissed as coming from a “Coalition of Confusion.”
