ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Top figures in the African Democratic Congress, including David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Rauf Aregbesola, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu, declaring that the 2027 general elections will not be an easy ride for the ruling party.
The opposition heavyweights spoke at the ADC national convention themed “So That Nigeria May Work,” held in Abuja, where they accused the Tinubu administration of deepening economic hardship and worsening insecurity across the country.
They insisted that Nigerians were facing unprecedented suffering, while alleging that poverty has more than doubled under the current government.
However, the crisis-ridden party remained divided, as a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala dismissed the Abuja convention as illegitimate, insisting it would organise a separate convention after the Supreme Court delivers judgment on the leadership dispute.
Addressing over 3,000 delegates, Mark said the party had grown stronger despite efforts to undermine it, insisting that ADC represents a credible alternative for Nigerians.
He said, “I say to those who orchestrated these obstacles: you have not weakened us; you have welded us together. Every attempt to suppress this party has only deepened the resolve of our members, widened our coalition, and reminded Nigerians why a strong opposition is not optional; it is essential to democracy’s survival.
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“Across Nigeria, there is a growing awareness by a generation that desires a different country, a country that nurtures their talents and supports their ambitions.
“This generation is asking tough questions of leadership and those who seek to lead. We are greatly delighted to see that under the harsh light of this scrutiny, the African Democratic Congress is emerging as a credible alternative, not necessarily because of who we are, but because our vision and ambition align with their own.
‘’The reason we are here, the genuine recommitment to putting the people first, is the very reason that they continue to believe, despite the daunting challenges they face today, that Nigeria, this great country, will rediscover itself.
“We in the African Democratic Congress recognise this moment as a moment of great opportunity, as well as a moment of great responsibility. Our objective is not merely political success or a quest for power. We see it as a duty to ourselves and to posterity to demonstrate to all Nigerians that something good can come out of politics, and that democracy can actually deliver a better life than they seek. This is the fundamental goal of our party.’’
He added that party supremacy and accountability would define the ADC going forward.
“No member of this party, no matter how highly placed, will be bigger than the party, and no member, no matter how lowly placed, will be ignored. This is my personal commitment to you all.
“In the ADC, we shall return politics to its true purpose: to improve the lives of the people. We will invest in our people, make them more productive and more competitive. We will protect people and provide the environment for them to thrive.”
Aregbesola took a more aggressive stance, saying the President should step down over worsening conditions.
“Ordinarily, having made such a promise and fared woefully, an honest president should simply step down and not seek re-election. Rather, what we are witnessing is the most desperate attempt by a candidate in Nigerian electoral history to retain power at all costs, even if it means bringing down the entire democratic system. We have the duty to stop scammers from retaining power.’’
He also warned against any assumption of automatic victory in 2027.
“There will be no coronation in 2027. There will be no Kabiyesi in the Presidential Villa come 2027.”
Atiku, on his part, stated that the opposition would reclaim power, while also taking a swipe at the electoral umpire.
“I remember when the APC was being formed. Only for us to enter the APC, our economy is gone, our sovereignty is gone, our security is gone, our education is gone, and our infrastructure is gone. The healthcare is gone.
“Now, we must rise and make sure that there is change, genuine change. I am in this game. We are going to win.’’
He added, “Let the chairman know we are not going to let him get away with his illegalities. We will not.”
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Obi warned that Nigeria risks deeper collapse without unity.
“The country is so divided; we need unity. The present government has ensured that it will remain more divided. Your country is collapsing, and if you allow it to go further, it will be worse.”
Amaechi also lashed out at the administration, accusing it of undermining democracy.
“They are using the institutions of government against the people of Nigeria. He doesn’t care… If you, Nigerians, are not angry and hungry, I am. The situation is bad. It’s terrible.”
Despite the show of strength, the ADC remains embroiled in a leadership crisis, now split into three factions one led by Mark, another by Nafiu Gombe, and a third aligned with Dumebi Kachikwu.
The crisis, which dates back to disputes over the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, has triggered multiple court battles involving the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
INEC had earlier delisted key figures, including Mark and Aregbesola, in compliance with a court order to maintain the status quo pending final determination.
The Supreme Court has fixed April 22 to hear an appeal filed by Mark challenging earlier rulings on the leadership dispute.
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned proceedings indefinitely in a related suit, pending the apex court’s decision on jurisdiction.
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Justice Emeka Nwite held that continuing proceedings would be inappropriate while the Supreme Court is seized of the matter.
“I am of the view that it would not serve any purpose if the jurisdiction of this honourable court is being challenged at the apex court,” he ruled.
In a separate suit, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered all parties to maintain the status quo.
“I also order that all parties shall not take further steps… so as not to render nugatory the proceedings before the court,” the judge said.