2027 Elections: ADC, APC in War of Words Over Northern Support, Regional Development
As political momentum builds ahead of the 2027 general elections, a sharp rivalry is emerging between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over which party holds the trust and political allegiance of the Northern region.
At the third Expanded Meeting of the Northern National Political Consultative Group (NPCG) held in Abuja on Saturday, ADC Interim National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark, described the North’s challenges including insecurity, poverty, and economic stagnation as self-inflicted.
In his keynote address titled “Unity and Social Cohesion as a Panacea to the Challenges Facing Northern Nigeria”, Mark stressed that progress in the region hinges on unity, introspection, and a rejection of divisive politics.
“The North is bleeding. We must stop blaming others and take responsibility. Ethnic tensions, poverty, and insecurity are symptoms of deeper issues—neglect, apathy, and fragmentation.
The solution lies in rekindling unity, justice, and shared purpose,” he said.
Mark also urged northern leaders to abandon the “blame game,” and instead serve as bridge-builders, promoting dialogue, equitable governance, and inclusive development.
“Let us reject hate speech, invest in education, and return to community-based security systems that once kept us safe,” he added.
ADC chieftain and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, revealed that the North had fully aligned with the ADC as its platform to challenge the APC in 2027. He said all 19 northern states had reached a consensus that the Tinubu-led administration had failed to address the region’s pressing concerns.
“Our people have directed us to organise and deliver through the ADC. It is no longer a consultative forum it’s a movement. The APC has not shown commitment to solving our economic, infrastructural, or security issues. It’s time we took charge of our future,” Lawal told journalists after the meeting.
He further disclosed that the party would commence grassroots mobilization, prepare for congresses and conventions, and ensure that only candidates with genuine northern interests emerge.
On the credibility of the electoral process, Lawal said the ADC was confident that votes would count in 2027. “We don’t believe in the narrative that votes won’t matter. We’ll counter any malpractice and ensure victory through legitimate means,” he said.
However, the APC has dismissed these claims as political posturing. In a reaction, APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the ruling party remained unshaken and enjoyed widespread support across Nigeria, including the North.
“ADC’s shenanigans won’t disturb our focus. These same political actors have tried similar tactics before, and it never worked. President Tinubu runs an inclusive government where every region, including the North, is fairly represented,” he said.
Ibrahim insisted that the APC remained committed to fulfilling its promises and would not be distracted by opposition rhetoric. “We’re focused on delivering prosperity. Northern interests, like all others, are protected under this administration.”
The National Political Consultative Group (North), which first met in May, has been pushing to consolidate northern political influence ahead of the next election, now aligning itself firmly with the ADC in hopes of mounting a strong challenge to the ruling APC.
