The African Democratic Congress has reaffirmed its determination to remain an independent political force ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that its candidates are free from corruption allegations and have no history of investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The party made the declaration in Ilorin, Kwara State, during a stakeholders’ meeting where leaders reviewed preparations for the next electoral cycle and discussed strategies for expanding the party’s influence across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the party, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said integrity remains one of the party’s core principles and a key consideration in selecting candidates for elective positions.
According to him, the ADC has already conducted primaries for various positions, including state House of Assembly seats, House of Representatives positions, Senate seats, and the governorship, producing candidates whom the party believes possess the competence, experience, and credibility needed to provide effective leadership.
Abdullahi emphasized that none of the party’s candidates is associated with corruption investigations or cases before the EFCC, describing this as evidence of the ADC’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in public office.
“We have qualified and experienced candidates. We don’t have candidates that have been to EFCC before,” he stated, arguing that Nigerians deserve leaders whose records are free from allegations of financial misconduct.
The ADC spokesman also used the occasion to dismiss speculation that the party could merge with or be absorbed into another political platform ahead of the 2027 elections. He maintained that the party remains strong, independent, and committed to building its political structures nationwide.
While acknowledging that coalition-building is a legitimate part of democratic politics, Abdullahi stressed that any future alliance involving the ADC would be based on shared ideology, policy direction, and governance objectives rather than electoral convenience or political survival.
He explained that the party remains open to cooperation with groups and political organisations that share its vision for Nigeria but ruled out the possibility of dissolving the ADC into another political party.
“Our door is open to individuals and groups who believe in our vision, but we will not abandon our identity or collapse into another party,” he said.
The remarks come amid increasing discussions within opposition circles over possible alliances and coalition arrangements aimed at challenging the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.
Abdullahi argued that the ADC is already attracting new members from different political parties and remains one of the country’s most viable opposition platforms. He further questioned suggestions that the party was weakening, insisting that its membership base and political relevance continue to grow.
The party spokesman also launched a sharp criticism of the current administration, accusing it of failing to adequately address worsening insecurity and economic hardship across the country. He cited persistent incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks in several states as evidence that stronger leadership and new policy approaches are needed.
According to him, the ADC believes it can offer practical solutions to Nigeria’s security and economic challenges through policies focused on job creation, good governance, institutional reforms, and improved public safety.
Abdullahi called on Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process and support what he described as a necessary political transition capable of delivering meaningful change.
Expressing confidence in the party’s prospects, he predicted that the ADC could emerge victorious in both Kwara State and at the national level if voters embrace its message and candidates.
Beyond electoral preparations, Abdullahi also addressed concerns surrounding the administration of the party in Kwara State. He defended the decision of the national leadership to appoint a caretaker committee following the expiration of the tenure of state executives.
According to him, ongoing litigation prevented the party from conducting congresses within the expected timeframe, making the caretaker arrangement necessary to ensure continuity and prevent a leadership vacuum. The committee, led by former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, is expected to oversee party affairs for the next 12 months.
The ADC spokesman further dismissed claims that legal disputes involving the party could undermine its preparations for future elections. He described such reports as politically motivated attempts to create the impression that the party is unstable.
He insisted that while some legal matters remain before the courts, none poses a threat to the party’s operations, organizational structure, or electoral ambitions.
Political observers note that the ADC’s latest position reflects a broader effort by opposition parties to strengthen their credentials ahead of 2027 by emphasizing integrity, internal stability, and policy alternatives. With discussions about coalitions and political realignments already gathering momentum, the party appears eager to project itself as a credible alternative capable of attracting voters seeking a change in leadership.
As the countdown to the next general elections gradually begins, the ADC’s focus on candidate credibility, organizational independence, and opposition unity is expected to remain central to its political strategy in the months ahead.
