Don’t Judge Us by By-Election Setback, ADC Tells Nigerians

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged Nigerians not to assess the party’s strength based on its failure to secure any seats in last month’s by-elections.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that the elections came too soon after ADC’s leadership transition, leaving the party unprepared.

“The election happened less than a month after we assumed leadership. Many of the candidates were not even known to us at the time,” Abdullahi said. “It would be unfair to judge ADC by that outcome. Other elections are coming, and we will be ready.”

The August 16 polls were conducted to fill vacant seats following deaths or resignations after the 2023 elections. The All Progressives Congress (APC) secured 12 of the 16 seats, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won two in Anambra. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) claimed one seat each in Oyo and Kano, respectively.

With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) now formally recognising the David Mark-led leadership of ADC — including Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as Financial Secretary, and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor as Legal Adviser — the party says it will launch reconciliation and mobilisation efforts nationwide.

Looking ahead to 2027, Abdullahi stressed that ADC’s focus is on building a credible mass movement rather than chasing immediate victories.

“Our goal is to give Nigerians a viable alternative. By 2027, people should be able to ask themselves whether the ruling party has improved their lives or made them worse — and if they want change, they should see ADC as that option,” he added.

The party had earlier blamed its poor showing on alleged electoral malpractice, including vote buying, violence, and voter intimidation — claims the APC has strongly denied.