2027: ADC rejects support for Tinubu’s re-election, inaugurates zonal, state congress committees

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, has formally rejected any support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The party has also inaugurated its zonal and state congress and appeal committees nationwide.

The party urged its members to remain united and committed to building what it described as a credible and formidable opposition platform.

The inauguration, which took place on Sunday in Abuja, was led by Gombe who said the move was aimed at strengthening the party’s internal democratic structures.

Speaking at the event, he said the committees were established to oversee the planning and conduct of congresses at the zonal, state, local government and ward levels, in strict compliance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

“It is with great honour and humility that I stand before you today to address the inaugural session of the Zonal and State Congress and Appeal Committees of the African Democratic Congress.

“We are gathered here to mark a significant milestone in the history of our great party. The establishment of these committees is a testament to our commitment to strengthening the party’s structure and ensuring that the voices of our members are heard at all levels.”

He stressed that the committees were also mandated to enforce constitutional compliance, implement congress guidelines, and uphold electoral regulations, including voting procedures, ballot handling and result declaration.

Bala further called on party members to work collectively to build a stronger ADC founded on justice, equity and fairness, while urging party leaders to empower members and provide the necessary guidance to drive change.

He added, “I want to categorically distance the leadership of the ADC from the statement credited to Hon. Leke Joseph Abijide in support of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.

“That statement does not reflect the position of the African Democratic Congress as a determined opposition party. We clearly reject any association with it and reaffirm our stance as a strong force in Nigeria’s political space.”

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Congress Committee for the North-West geopolitical zone, Abimikun Monday, described the inauguration as a major step towards repositioning the party.

He said: “This marks a milestone in our efforts to reposition the leadership of the ADC across all strata.”

Monday said that the responsibility entrusted to the committee reflected the confidence of the party’s national leadership.

He commended Bala for his commitment to rebuilding the party despite internal challenges and assured the leadership of the committee’s readiness to deliver on its mandate.

He added, “Our duty is to oversee the planning and execution of zonal, state and local government congresses in line with the ADC constitution, approved guidelines and the Electoral Act of Nigeria.”

Also speaking, the Kaduna State Chairman of the ADC, Sani Aliyu Mohammed, pledged the party’s determination to win power through democratic means.

He said: “We will do everything within our power, from the state level down to the local governments, to ensure effective organisation and success.

“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the ADC becomes the new name and the new anthem on the lips of every Nigerian from 2027 onward. This is a promise we are making, and we will exhaust all legal and legitimate options to actualise this vision.”

He thanked party members for their support and assured them of the leadership’s commitment to delivering on the mandate entrusted to the committees.