Presidency Condemns ADC Opposition Coalition as Opportunistic and Lacking Vision

The Presidency has strongly criticized the recently formed opposition coalition that adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform, dismissing it as a hastily assembled alliance motivated by personal ambition rather than any coherent ideological framework.

In a statement issued on Thursday via X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, warned Nigerians against what he described as a deceptive coalition of disaffected political figures desperate to regain power.

According to Onanuga, the group comprises individuals united solely by their opposition to President Tinubu and lacking a shared vision for Nigeria’s progress.

He further alleged that many of the coalition’s members have long ceased to be relevant within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He cited examples such as former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, and former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika, all of whom, he claimed, had become politically estranged from the APC or had ongoing controversies surrounding their names.

Onanuga also pointed to Rauf Aregbesola, who was expelled from the APC over alleged anti-party activities in Osun State, and accused Kashim Imam and former APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie Oyegun of merely seeking renewed relevance after political obscurity.

“The coalition is being driven by personal grievances and ambitions, not by a national development agenda,” the statement read in part.

“Several individuals now parading as part of this coalition left the APC long ago. The party will not mourn their exit, nor should Nigerians be misled about their purported influence.”

Onanuga also provided a pointed critique of several coalition members:

• Rotimi Amaechi: “His political disengagement from the APC began in 2022 following his defeat in the presidential primaries.”
• Abubakar Malami: “Has maintained a distance from the party since the leadership transition and his failed governorship bid in Kebbi.”
• Hadi Sirika: “Now faces legal proceedings over allegations of contract splitting.”
• Rauf Aregbesola: “Expelled for undermining the APC during the last Osun governorship election.”
• Kashim Imam: “Disengaged after failing to secure the vice-presidential slot.”
• Chief Oyegun: “An octogenarian and former party chairman who has long distanced himself from the APC and aligned with opposition interests.”

Onanuga concluded with a stern advisory: “Nigerians must remain vigilant. This coalition offers no credible alternative. It is a desperate gathering of political actors who fear prolonged irrelevance. Their lack of a unifying ideology and agenda ensures that the alliance will collapse under the weight of conflicting personal ambitions.”

The statement followed the coalition’s formal declaration on Tuesday in Abuja, during which the ADC was adopted as its political vehicle ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former Senate President David Mark was announced as interim National Chairman, while former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola was named interim National Secretary.

Key political figures linked to the coalition include Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, all of whom are expected to play significant roles in challenging President Tinubu’s re-election campaign.