By John Paul
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being unsettled ahead of the 2027 general elections despite its sweeping political dominance across the country.
Speaking on a television programme, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the APC was “still panicking” even with about 34 governors and control of the National Assembly.
“We in the ADC are calm, but they are the ones; after having about 34 governors in their camp and almost all the National Assembly, they are still panicking. They are still sponsoring court cases against the ADC,” he said.
Abdullahi maintained that the opposition party was focused on persuading Nigerians and building a credible alternative, insisting that responsibility lies with the ADC to earn public trust.
He also accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of undermining opposition parties in a bid to emerge as a sole candidate in the 2027 presidential race.
Drawing a parallel with Nigeria’s military past, Abdullahi referenced former Head of State Sani Abacha, alleging a similar pattern of weakening political competition.
According to him, public confidence in the APC-led administration had waned, claiming that many Nigerians now view the government as having failed.
However, the APC dismissed the claims and urged opposition parties to shift their focus away from 2027.
In a statement, the Lagos State APC, through its spokesman Seye Oladejo, advised opposition groups to concentrate on rebuilding and preparing for the 2031 elections rather than challenging what it described as settled mandates.
“While opposition parties play an important role in strengthening democratic governance, such participation must be grounded in realism, responsibility, and respect for the mandate freely given by the people,” the statement said.
The party criticised what it called a lack of cohesion among opposition groups, noting that last-minute alliances ahead of primaries reflect disorganisation.
“Rather than dissipating energy contesting settled mandates, we strongly advise opposition elements to focus on rebuilding, re-strategising, and preparing meaningfully for the 2031 elections,” it added.
The APC reiterated that its priority remains governance, including infrastructure development, economic growth, security, and improving citizens’ welfare, while calling on political actors to contribute to stability and national progress.