2027 elections won’t hold without ADC on ballot – Nwosu

The founding National Chairman of the opposition African Democratic Congress, Ralph Nwosu, has said that the 2027 general elections cannot be conducted by President Bola Tinubu and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, if the ADC is not included on the ballot.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the party’s national secretariat during the ADC Youths Champion and Prospective Legislative Summit organised by the office of the National Youth Leader, Nwosu said the opposition party had already gathered the figures and support needed to unseat Tinubu in 2027.

The ADC founding father stated that the coalition had delivered remarkable gains for the party, adding that as of Tuesday evening, some serving senators from the ruling APC and other parties were still in talks with the ADC leaders about joining the party.

He further maintained that the coalition followed due process in taking over the ADC and did nothing wrong, blaming the party’s current challenges on the culture of impunity in Nigerian politics.

He stated, “The culture in place is dirty. It’s very difficult to change the culture, but we will continue working very hard to do so once we are determined. You don’t need a million people to do it; you just need a few determined minds.

“With the number we have today in ADC, what we have achieved by the coalition is phenomenal, and no matter how anybody thinks they can knock this down, they cannot. To knock this down will be almost like knocking our democracy down, and God will not allow that. We have put enough strategies in place to ensure that it doesn’t happen.

“But what you may hear happening and see happening now is that when people in power, especially in third world countries, people who love impunity and feel that they can play God, are in power, they would try everything, especially when it’s clear to them that their time is over. The time is over for Tinubu politically, and he must go. The time is over for Akpabio (Senate President), and they must go.”

Nwosu stated that the ADC already has five million members and would use its strength to democratically end Tinubu’s rule in 2027.

He continued, “The statistics are already there on our portal. I think we’re already recording over 5 million people who are desirous of paying money to become members of ADC. By the time the registration closes, if it has not closed by today, we will have a minimum of 11 million people who are ready to contribute money.

“Despite the challenges the government in place is deliberately throwing at us, yesterday, some senators decided they are joining the ADC. All I know is that Tinubu and Amupitan (INEC Chairman) cannot conduct any election in this country if ADC is not on the ballot.”

Earlier in his remarks, ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, said the 35 per cent affirmative action for youths and women must move beyond mere declarations.

Rufai stated that the ADC leadership under Senator David Mark should not advocate inclusion while excluding members, particularly the youth constituency.

He stated, “As we approach our party primaries, let it be stated without hesitation or ambiguity. The Constitution of the African Democratic Congress has already settled the question of inclusion and its provisions are sacrosanct and non-negotiable.

“The Youth Constituency is not begging for space. We are asserting our constitutional rights. By the binding authority of our party constitution, twelve governorship tickets are reserved for the Youth Constituency. At least one Senate ticket in every state belongs to the youth.

“10–15 State Houses of Assembly slots per state are designated for young people. These are not promises, they are not political conveniences, they are enforceable commitments.”

While urging the David Mark–led ADC to fully implement the party constitution without compromise, the youth leader encouraged attendees not to be discouraged, sidelined, or lose faith.

Rufai stated, “Assert your place because when the youth take their rightful position, the party becomes stronger. And when the youth lead, victory becomes inevitable. It is on this basis that we must empower those who are ready to lead, regardless of age, but with full recognition that the youth are prepared, qualified, and determined.

“To further institutionalise transparency, credibility, and strategic coordination within the ranks of the party, the Youth Wing will immediately establish three critical structures: Youth Aspirants Screening Committee, to ensure only credible, competent, and prepared youth candidates emerge.

“Youth Opinion Poll Committee, to scientifically gauge grassroots support and guide strategic decisions. Youth Leaders Advisory Committee on INEC and Litigations, to strengthen compliance, electoral preparedness, and the legal defence of our mandates. The Youth Leaders Advisory Committee on INEC and Litigations will work in close collaboration with party leadership.

“As institutional independence erodes, we will confront impunity, uphold justice, and reinforce credible opposition, because no democracy survives without a vigilant, principled opposition.”

In her goodwill message, former Special Assistant on Digital and Social Media to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie, said that for too long, young Nigerians have been brought into politics as spectators—clapping, campaigning, defending, and even carrying bags, but never as decision-makers.

She said that the era of exclusion has come to an end, adding that the 20% affirmative action in the ADC constitution is not a privilege, but a correction and a structural rebalancing of power.

On April 1, INEC announced the removal of key officials of the ADC, including National Chairman Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, from its official register, saying the action complied with a court order directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending the final judgment of the trial court.

The party has continued to face a prolonged leadership crisis following the inauguration of a new National Working Committee under Mark’s leadership in July.

The dispute arose from disagreements over the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, who handed over some leadership positions to the coalition group led by Mark, while sidelining his deputy, Nafiu Gombe, who insisted on becoming acting chairman after Nwosu’s exit.

The disagreement later escalated into factional struggles for control of the party, resulting in multiple legal battles at both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, and raising concerns about the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections.

In response, Mark, on April 2, called for calm and maintained that the party would continue with its scheduled activities.

On April 22, the Supreme Court concluded the hearing on the ADC leadership dispute and subsequently reserved judgment.