“All I know is that Tinubu and Amupitan cannot conduct any election in this country if ADC is not on the ballot”, vows Ralph Nwosu

*ADC has made its statement clear – Lauretta Onochie

*No Jupiter can stop ADC from contesting 2027 elections in Nigeria – Uche Diala

By KEMI KASUMU

“The time is over for Tinubu politically, and he must go. The time is over for Akpabio (Senate president), and they must go. The statistics are already there in our portal. I think we’re already recording over 5 million people who are desirous to pay money and to become members of ADC.”

The founding National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has warned that Nigeria’s 2027 general elections cannot proceed without the opposition party being included on the ballot.

Speaking at a party event on Wednesday in Abuja, Nwosu argued that the ADC has grown into a major political force capable of challenging the incumbent administration led by Bola Tinubu.

Claims of Growing Support

Nwosu said the party has recorded significant gains through ongoing coalition efforts, noting that up till Tuesday evening discussions are underway with politicians across party lines, including some serving senators in the ruling APC and other parties, wanting to join the ADC.

He further claimed that the ADC has attracted millions of prospective members, with internal data suggesting a surge in registrations and financial commitments from supporters nationwide.

“With the number we have today in ADC, what we have achieved by the coalition is phenomenal,” Nwosu said, adding that attempts to undermine the party would amount to weakening Nigeria’s democratic process.

Criticism of Political Establishment

Nwosu revealed further that in taking over ADC, the coalition did everything right and nothing was done wrong. The ADC founder also criticized what he described as a culture of impunity in Nigerian politics, blaming it for ongoing challenges within the party and the broader system.

He took direct aim at the current leadership, asserting that the political era of President Tinubu and Senate President God’swill Akpabio was nearing its end.

“The culture in place is dirty. It’s very difficult to change the culture, but we will continue working very hard to do so once we are determined. You don’t need a million people to do it; you just need a few determined minds.

“With the number we have today in ADC, what we have achieved by the Coalition is phenomenal, and no matter how anybody thinks they can knock this down, they cannot. To knock this down will be almost like knocking our democracy down, and God will not allow that. We have put enough strategies in places to ensure that it doesn’t happen.

“But what you may hear happening and see happening now, when people in power, especially in the third world country, people who love impunity and feel that they can play God, are in power, they would try everything, especially when it’s clear to them that their time is over.

“The time is over for Tinubu politically, and he must go. The time is over for Akpabio (Senate president), and they must go.

“The statistics are already there in our portal. I think we’re already recording over 5 million people who are desirous to pay money and to become members of ADC. By the time the registration closes down, if it has not closed down by today, we will have a minimum of 11 million people that are ready to contribute money,” he stated.

“All I know is that Tinubu and Amupitan cannot conduct any election in this country if ADC is not on the ballot,” Nwosu added.

Internal Challenges and Legal Disputes

The remarks come amid internal tensions within the ADC, particularly involving a leadership dispute associated with former Senate President David Mark. A Federal High Court recently restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing a faction of the party leadership linked to Mark.

Youth Inclusion Debate

The large gathering brought together young men and women who are contesting different positions across the country, with prominent party leaders in attendance.

At the same event, ADC National Youth Leader Balarabe Rufai called for stronger enforcement of youth and women inclusion within the party.
Rufai emphasized to Senator David Mark leadership of that ADC to ensure that the party’s constitutional provisions—such as reserving a percentage of positions and candidacies for young people—are implemented in practice, not just declared in principle.

He stated that youth members are asserting their rights within the party structure, including provisions for governorship and Senate tickets.

“As we approach our party primaries, let it be stated without hesitation or ambiguity, The Constitution of the African Democratic Congress has already settled the question of inclusion and its provisions are sacrosanct and non negotiable.

“The Youth Constituency is not begging for space. We are asserting our constitutional rights. By the binding authority of our party constitution: Twelve Governorship tickets are reserved for the Youth Constituency. At least one Senate ticket in every state belongs to the youth”, he stated.”

Outlook Ahead of 2027

In the meantime, members of the ADC – who have passed comments on the ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling APC to allegedly manipulate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary in ensuring that only their candidates are on the ballot papers at the elections – are saying “no way”.

In her submission, former presidential aide Lauretta Onochie, while reacting to statement by Coalition of Northern Stakeholders on the treatment being meted to Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, by the Tinubu government, said, “The voice of the North has spoken loud and clear!”

In his own words, Dr. Uche Diala said, “No Jupiter can stop ADC from being on the ballot. Their goal is to distract the party. We are focused enough not to be distracted.”

As Nigeria approaches the next election cycle, the ADC’s leadership continues to position the party as a key opposition force, despite internal disputes and legal hurdles.

Political observers say the evolving dynamics within the party, alongside broader coalition-building efforts, could play a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape ahead of 2027 elections.