ADC Spokesperson Explains Reasons Behind By-election Losses: ‘Don’t Judge Us by That Outcome
According to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party’s inability to secure any seats in the August by-elections should not be used as a yardstick.
Recall that the ADC did not win any seats in the August 16 by-elections that were held to fill vacancies left by resignations or deaths following the 2023 elections.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won one seat in Oyo, the New Nigeria Peoples Party won one in Kano, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) won twelve of the sixteen seats, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi stated on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday that the elections were held too soon after the party’s leadership change and shouldn’t be used as a gauge of its future.
Abdullahi claims that the party was not prepared for the election at the time it was held.
“We’ve given an explanation, released a statement, and discussed it on multiple occasions,” he added. Less than a month after joining the party, the election took place for us. We stated that we could not evaluate the ADC based on the fact that we did not even know the majority of the candidates.
“You’re only discussing how we’re now moving toward establishing our true leadership. Therefore, in terms of the party’s transition, the by-election you mentioned occurred too soon.
“There are other elections coming, and we will be prepared for those; we don’t want to be judged by the result of that one.”
Abdullahi stated that in order to increase the party’s national visibility in front of the general elections in 2027, the party leadership is anticipated to launch a nationwide reconciliation and mobilization campaign after INEC formally recognizes the David Mark-led ADC leadership.
He maintained that creating a large group is more important to ADC than pursuing quick wins.
“We want Nigerians to look back on 2027 and ask themselves, has this ruling party made our lives better or worse?” he remarked. We therefore hope that when people desire change, they will be able to look back and consider our party to be a good choice.
