ADC Urges Aspirants’ Supporters to Stop Division, Warns Against ‘Exceptionality’ Politics

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned supporters of its presidential aspirants against promoting division and a sense of political exceptionality ahead of the party’s June primaries.

The warning was issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, during a live audio discussion on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday in Abuja, where he spoke on the state of the nation and Nigeria’s political landscape.

Abdullahi also described the proposal to hold the 2027 general elections in 2026 as a double-edged sword for the ADC, noting that while it could energise the opposition, it would also make it difficult for the party to heal internal divisions.

He added, however, that an early election could still favour the ADC, arguing that many Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current administration.

The party spokesman disclosed that he had held discussions with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former governors Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai on the need to strengthen unity within the party ahead of the general elections.

“I spent time talking to Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai on uniting the party and improving Nigeria,” Abdullahi said.

“Our leaders are aware of the task ahead, and every one of them is committed to ensuring that we win this election together resolutely.”

Speaking further on the election timeline, Abdullahi said: “Whether elections are held this year or next year, it will work for and against us as opposition.

“Let me also say this: those supporting divisiveness by aspirants should stop because they are working to the advantage of the APC.

“Saying it is either this candidate or nothing is not helpful; winning the election matters, and divisiveness cannot deliver victory for the party.

“We believe all aspirants are qualified; vilifying anyone or any region is unhelpful and complicates efforts to strengthen unity within the party ahead of elections.

“We will ignore people creating exceptionality and focus on our work because we want to win these elections credibly, peacefully and inclusively nationwide together as one.

“Those shouting ‘Peter Obi or nothing’ are not helping him; they preach division, limit outreach and harden positions needed for victory across regions and supporters,” he said.

Abdullahi added that the ADC is taking the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections seriously, following its poor outing in the Anambra off-season election, and aims to make a strong showing in the FCT polls.

He also raised concerns over allegations that some state governments were forcing civil servants with National Identification Numbers to register as members of ruling parties.

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