By Osordi Ayomide
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing worsening insecurity and economic hardship, while declaring that the 2027 presidential race will not be an easy ride for the ruling party.
Speaking at the party’s national convention in Abuja themed “So That Nigeria May Work,” former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, David Mark, alongside ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, accused the government of deepening poverty and failing to secure lives and property.
Mark said the ADC was emerging as a credible alternative, insisting that attempts to weaken the party had only strengthened its resolve. He assured members that discipline, internal democracy, and people-focused governance would define the party’s direction.
Aregbesola, in a strongly worded remark, said the current administration had fallen short of expectations, arguing that worsening hardship and rising costs of living had made survival difficult for Nigerians.
Atiku also called for a political shift, declaring his readiness for the 2027 contest and urging Nigerians to support a “genuine change” to address the country’s economic and security challenges.
Similarly, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, stressed the need for unity, warning that Nigeria’s worsening divisions could further destabilise the country if not urgently addressed.
Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, criticised the administration’s handling of governance, describing the situation as dire and urging the opposition to unite behind a strong candidate.
Despite the show of strength, the party remains embroiled in a leadership crisis, with multiple factions rejecting the Abuja convention and insisting on separate processes pending court decisions.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has fixed April 22 to hear an appeal filed by David Mark over the leadership dispute, as legal battles continue to shape the party’s future ahead of the 2027 elections.
