As northern leaders embrace ADC as their political vehicle, APC insists its broad national appeal remains intact under Tinubu’s inclusive administration
In Abuja, Nigeria with the 2027 general elections drawing closer, a fierce political rivalry has erupted between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), as both parties vie for dominance in Northern Nigeria, a region plagued by insecurity, poverty, and political disillusionment.
In a high-stakes political gathering tagged the third Expanded Meeting of the National Political Consultative Group (North), held in Abuja, prominent northern political figures under the ADC umbrella declared that the region has thrown its weight behind the party to challenge APC’s grip on power.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and ADC chieftain, Babachir Lawal, announced that northern stakeholders have unanimously adopted the ADC as their preferred political platform. He stated that the North is now fully committed to pursuing its interests through the ADC, having lost faith in the APC’s ability to deliver on key issues such as infrastructure, security, and economic development.
“This is a meeting of northerners discussing, as a family, the problems confronting us and how to prepare for the future. We’ve resolved to support the ADC because we believe this government has no genuine commitment to addressing our challenges,” Lawal said.
The declaration followed a powerful keynote address by ADC Interim National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark, who criticized the state of Northern Nigeria, stating that the region is "bleeding" and must confront the reality that many of its problems are self-inflicted.
Mark emphasized that the North must end the culture of blame and division and instead foster unity, justice, and development.
“We must first admit that we are the architects of our problems. Political fragmentation, ethnic tension, and insecurity have set our region back. This is not the North we inherited,” he said.
“Too often, we exploit ethnic and religious differences to win elections. Afterwards, we leave our people divided and hopeless. This cycle must end.”
He advocated a return to traditional community structures, enhanced education, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance as pathways to rebuild the North’s former glory.
The former Senate President further warned that ignorance and marginalization fuel insecurity and poverty, urging northern leaders to invest in education and discourage divisive rhetoric. “Let our schools, churches, and mosques preach tolerance. Let our media promote stories of cooperation. The North can heal, but only if we commit to unity and collective action,” Mark added.
Lawal, echoing Mark’s sentiments, stressed that the ADC would ensure votes count in 2027 and vowed to resist any attempts at electoral manipulation.
“We do not believe votes won’t count. We’ll ensure that every vote counts in the next election,” he affirmed.
In a bold move earlier in July, a formidable alliance of political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, APC’s former presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, publicly endorsed the ADC as a united opposition front to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2027.
However, the APC has dismissed these developments as mere political theatrics. In a firm rebuttal, APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, described the opposition's efforts as “shenanigans,” insisting the ruling party remains firmly rooted across Nigeria, including the North.
“Our party enjoys support across the country. The interests of Nigerians, northerners included are well protected under the Tinubu-led administration. Their permutation won’t shake us,” Ibrahim declared.
He asserted that the APC operates on inclusivity and constitutional values, adding that the government is focused on policies that will bring prosperity to all Nigerians.
“While they plan, we are also planning, and God has already planned. The APC is delivering on its promises, and we will not be distracted,” Ibrahim said confidently.
As both camps gear up for a pivotal political contest, the North’s role in shaping Nigeria’s future is once again in sharp focus. The question remains—will the region embrace change under a new political banner, or stay the course with the incumbent party? Only time and the ballot box will tell.
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