The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged Nigerians not to judge its political strength by its poor outing in last month’s by-elections, where the party failed to win any seats.
Speaking on on Channels Television, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said the contests came too soon after the party’s leadership transition and did not reflect its true potential.
The by-elections, held on August 16 to fill vacancies created by deaths or resignations after the 2023 general elections, saw the All Progressives Congress secure 12 of the 16 available seats. The All Progressives Grand Alliance won two seats in Anambra, the Peoples Democratic Party took one in Oyo, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party claimed one in Kano.
Abdullahi explained that the ADC was still reorganising when the elections were conducted. “The election happened less than a month after we came into the party. Most of the candidates, we didn’t even know them. That’s why we said we cannot judge the ADC by that,” he said.
He stressed that the party is focused on long-term growth, not short-term victories. “We don’t want to be judged by the outcome of that election. Other elections are coming, and we will be ready for those,” he added.
The Independent National Electoral Commission recently recognised David Mark as the party’s National Chairman, alongside other principal officers, including Ogbeni 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 its leadership now formally endorsed, the ADC is expected to launch a nationwide reconciliation and mobilisation drive as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. Abdullahi said the party’s broader objective is to build a credible platform that Nigerians can turn to as an alternative to the ruling party.
“We want Nigerians to get to 2027 and ask themselves, has this ruling party improved our lives or made our lives worse? We want a situation where people want a change, they can look back and see our party as a viable alternative,” he said.
Earlier, the ADC had attributed its poor performance in the by-elections to violence, vote buying, and alleged manipulation of the process by the APC. The ruling party, however, denied the allegations.
