ADC Says By-Election Losses Should Not Define Party’s Future

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appealed to Nigerians not to judge the party by its inability to secure any seat in the August 16 by-elections, stressing that the contests came too soon after a major leadership transition.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party was still in transition and not fully prepared for the polls.

The by-elections, conducted to fill seats left vacant by deaths or resignations following the 2023 general elections, saw the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declare the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of 12 out of 16 seats. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) secured two seats in Anambra, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won one seat in Oyo and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) one in Kano.

Abdullahi explained that most of the ADC’s candidates were unknown to the new leadership at the time of the polls.
“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 be judged by that outcome. It came too early in terms of our transition” he said.

Following official recognition of the David Mark-led leadership by INEC, the ADC has begun repositioning itself. Other officers confirmed by INEC include Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary and Professor Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.

With this endorsement, Abdullahi said the ADC will embark on nationwide reconciliation and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections. He stressed that the party’s long-term focus is on building a credible mass movement.
“Our goal is for Nigerians in 2027 to ask themselves whether this ruling party has improved their lives or made them worse. We want to be seen as a viable alternative when the time for change comes” Abdullahi noted.

The ADC had earlier attributed its poor showing in the by-elections to violence, voter intimidation, ballot box snatching, alleged vote-buying and irregularities, including the reported failure of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). The APC, however, dismissed the allegations.