The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appealed to Nigerians not to judge its political strength by its failure to secure any seat in last month’s by-elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said the polls came too early after the party’s leadership transition and should not be seen as a reflection of its future potential.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had conducted the August 16 by-elections to fill 16 seats left vacant by deaths or resignations after the 2023 general polls. The All Progressives Congress (APC) won 12 seats, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) secured two in Anambra, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) picked one in Oyo, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) claimed one in Kano.
The ADC, however, failed to win any.
Abdullahi said the party was not electorally ready, given that its new leadership had only just assumed office.
“For us, the election happened less than a month after we came into the party. Most of the candidates, we didn’t even know them, and that’s why we said we cannot judge the ADC by that,” he explained. “The by-election happened too early in terms of transition for the party.”
INEC recently gave official recognition to the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC. Alongside Mark as National Chairman, other officers include 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 this endorsement, Abdullahi said the party would embark on a nationwide reconciliation and mobilisation drive to position itself as a viable alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Our priority is to build a mass party rather than chase immediate victories,” he said. “We want Nigerians to get to 2027 and ask themselves if the ruling party has improved their lives or made them worse. When people want a change, we want them to see our party as a viable alternative.”
The ADC had earlier blamed its poor outing on alleged electoral malpractices, including vote buying, ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, and failure of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). The APC denied those allegations.
