Key political figures and stakeholders from across Nigeria converged in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, on Sunday, throwing their weight behind the new African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition as a credible platform to rescue the country from what they described as imminent collapse.
The event, held as part of the annual colloquium hosted by All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Prof. Abdulmumin Yinka Ajia, brought together opposition voices who declared that Nigeria’s salvation lies in building a strong, independent alternative to the ruling party.
In his welcome address, Ajia described the emergence of the ADC as a timely and strategic counterweight to what he termed “state capture and creeping one-man rule.”
“ADC is good enough as a credible coalition platform for the opposition,” Ajia said. “It is more than just party politics—it’s an instrument of democratic restoration and a tool to return power to the people.”
He emphasized that the platform symbolises the urgent need for democratic renewal and civic awakening, especially in a nation grappling with growing disillusionment.
Ajia spoke on the theme, “Interrogating the Nigerian State, Its Democratic Institutions, and the Looming Threats of State Capture.” According to him, the forum was not just intellectual but also a civic obligation—an annual moment to challenge power and inspire reform.
Also speaking at the event was Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, leader of the “O to Ge” movement that ended the Saraki political dynasty in Kwara State in 2019. Oyedepo argued that Nigeria has yet to enjoy the full benefits of democratic governance.
“Twenty-six years of democracy has not substantially taken us far from dictatorship in content, even if not in form,” he said. “The structure built by our founding fathers has collapsed. We need new founding fathers with new values and a renewed national purpose.”
Adding his voice, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the Obidients Movement, praised Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and called for heightened political consciousness among Nigerians ahead of 2027.
Meanwhile, Antonio Oshinewe, State Chairman of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Gender-Based Violence, used the platform to highlight the judiciary’s challenges, urging comprehensive reforms to ensure justice and democratic accountability.
The gathering, drawing participants from multiple political parties—including LP, PDP, APC, and SDP—underscored growing momentum toward a united opposition as Nigeria inches closer to the next general elections. Participants expressed the belief that the ADC coalition could be the vehicle to reset Nigeria’s faltering democracy.
