Bomba Dauda
Prominent stakeholders of the Coalition of Political Opposition in Kaduna State on Monday declared their support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the party platform for the 2027 general elections, aligning with the national coalition’s recent decision announced in Abuja on July 2.
The stakeholders, who are drawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and ADC, addressed the media during a press briefing held in Kaduna. They outlined their collective vision to build a new political movement capable of reforming Kaduna’s politics and fostering inclusive, democratic leadership.
Those present included senior political figures and party leaders such as Dr. John Ayuba, Alh. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, Mr. Patrick Didam, and Alh. Ibrahim Suleiman. Though absent due to international engagements, Sen. Nenadi Usman, Labour Party National Chairman Sen. Datti Baba-Ahmed, and Alh. Shuaibu Idris Mikati endorsed the briefing through their representatives.
According to the group, consultations have already begun with the ADC state leadership to build a strong, people-centered party structure across the 23 Local Government Areas and 255 Wards of Kaduna State. This process, they said, would avoid the pitfalls of past political efforts that were derailed by personal ambitions and factionalism.
“We are determined to prevent the business-as-usual approach where political parties are reduced to platforms for individuals seeking power without genuine commitment to solving citizens’ problems,” the coalition stated.
The stakeholders revealed that membership registration will soon begin across the state once national guidelines are released. They are currently collaborating with ADC state leaders and awaiting the conclusion of a verification exercise of the party’s current structure.
Sen. David Mark, the Interim National Chairman of the ADC, recently assured legacy ADC leaders that their tenures remain valid, a stance reaffirmed during a July 11 meeting with all state chairmen. The coalition said it would continue working with the current leadership in Kaduna to establish strong and functional party organs ahead of the 2027 polls.
A major theme of the press briefing was the need for unity among opposition forces in Kaduna State. The stakeholders stressed that defeating the ruling APC and Governor Uba Sani in 2027 requires collaboration and self-sacrifice from all opposition parties.
“Just as no one person can defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alone at the national level, no single individual can unseat the APC in Kaduna State. This is a collective mission,” they said.
They urged all governorship aspirants and other political hopefuls to suspend their ambitions during this formative stage, emphasizing merit-based leadership and equitable representation across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The stakeholders also emphasized the importance of internal democracy, transparency, and collective decision-making in the emerging political structure. They strongly condemned the past practices of godfatherism, imposition of candidates, and fraudulent consensus arrangements.
“The new political culture we are championing must reject any form of political monopoly. All voices must be heard, and disagreements respected. That is the foundation of genuine democracy,” the statement read.
They called for regular meetings, open dialogue, and inclusive structures to ensure that the party operates in line with democratic values outlined in the ADC constitution.
The group appealed to opposition leaders and citizens across Kaduna to register with the ADC when the registration exercise is announced. They emphasized that tolerance, integrity, and service-oriented leadership are essential attributes for anyone seeking to join the Coalition and contest future elections under the ADC banner.
“Our goal is to rescue Nigerian democracy, and that starts here in Kaduna with a political platform that guarantees equal opportunity, unity, and responsible leadership,” the coalition declared.
The press briefing concluded with a call for continued support and prayers for the success of the ADC and the Coalition’s broader mission to transform Nigeria’s political landscape.
