Bolaji Abdullahi: Governors Reluctant to Join ADC Due to Intimidation Concerns

Bolaji Abdullahi, the interim national publicity secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asserts that incumbent governors are hesitant to align with the party due to apprehensions of intimidation.

Abdullahi articulated this sentiment on Saturday during the third expanded assembly of the national political consultative group (North) held in Abuja.

He remarked that the governors’ “fear” is symptomatic of a broader “conspiracy against the Nigerian populace.”

On July 1, opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president; Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate; Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation; and Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, unveiled the ADC as a new coalition platform poised to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

David Mark, former senate president, and Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Osun, have been appointed as interim national chairman and secretary of the party, respectively.

Despite the assembly of political luminaries, no incumbent governor has affiliated with the coalition since its inception.

Abdullahi ascribed the reluctance to a “fear of reprisal.”

“There is no need to specifically target any incumbent governor,” he stated.

“We understand that no sitting governor is likely to join us at this time due to the intimidation they are currently facing.

“We are aware of the pressures they are under. Some, unable to defect to their party (APC), claim endorsement of their presidential candidate (Tinubu). That poses no issue.

“However, what you are witnessing is a conspiracy against the Nigerian citizenry. The ADC extends an open invitation to all, yet we are confident that we represent a movement supported by the majority of Nigerians dissatisfied with the nation’s current trajectory.”

He emphasized that the ADC is not centered around any individual’s personal ambitions.

“ADC will not be commandeered. The party’s formation process ensures it does not revolve around any single individual,” he declared.

“As I have frequently stressed, the ADC is not designed to serve any personal ambition. It is a party committed to providing a novel direction for Nigerian politics.

“We harbor no predetermined agenda. We favor no particular aspirant or candidate.

“At present, we are not engaged in any discussions. No conversations have transpired regarding who will be the party’s flag bearer.

“We consider it premature. Our current priority is to establish a robust political party capable of fulfilling the mission we have set forth.”

Abdullahi mentioned that the meeting was convened to address challenges impacting the northern region.

He further announced that a similar forum will be organized for the southern region.