ADC woos opposition bigwigs with ‘secret’ committee

The management of the African Democratic Congress has arrange a high-powered committee to have interaction political heavyweights in opposition events forward of the 2027 common elections, Sunday PidomNigeria findings have revealed.

 A extremely credible occasion official, who spoke to our correspondent in confidence, stated the committee was not limiting its engagements to any single occasion because the ADC was in search of to strengthen opposition collaboration earlier than the subsequent polls.  The event comes amid reviews that prime political figures from different events, significantly the nationwide chief of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, are being wooed by the ADC to affix the occasion.

 This follows a public assertion by Kwankwaso final Saturday in Kano, the place he expressed his willingness to align with any opposition coalition ready to supply him both the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.

Kwankwaso made the remarks whereas addressing his supporters over rumours of the defection of the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, throughout which he outlined various situations for any potential opposition alliance.

 Talking with Sunday PidomNigeria, the ADC official stated the occasion arrange a committee.

 “It’s for correct engagements throughout all occasion ranks, although this isn’t one thing we count on to be leaked to the general public,” the official added.

“We’re not focusing on a selected political occasion or particular person, as we’re sustaining an open dialogue platform with all of them.”

ADC guidelines out presidency ticket for Kwankwaso

 Corroborating this, one other supply inside the ADC advised one in every of our correspondents that the occasion’s Nationwide Chairman, Senator David Mark, made it clear to the Kwankwaso camp that no assurances might be given relating to both the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.

Recall that in July 2025, the ADC emerged because the coalition platform adopted by opposition leaders in search of to problem President Bola Tinubu within the 2027 elections.

Since then, underneath the management of former Senate President Mark as Nationwide Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as Nationwide Secretary, the occasion has been consolidating its buildings throughout the nation and dealing to earn the belief and assist of Nigerians.

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi joined the occasion in July, adopted by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in November, whereas former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi joined on December 31.

Party targets inclusive govt

Commenting on the coalition build-up, the ADC supply stated the occasion’s management was exploring the formation of an inclusive authorities of nationwide unity, which might accommodate Kwankwaso and his assist base via key political positions.

The supply stated, “Since Kwankwaso made the assertion expressing his readiness and willingness to work with the ADC, the occasion’s management has additionally been working across the clock. It could curiosity you to know that the ADC is excited by bringing Kwankwaso into the occasion, however it isn’t keen to proceed on any false assumptions.

 “It was clearly acknowledged that there shall be no provide of both the presidential or vice-presidential ticket from the occasion management to anybody. What the occasion is proposing is an inclusive cupboard and an inclusive authorities, the place all stakeholders can have a justifiable share of positions.”

One other distinguished chief of the occasion famous that whereas the ADC was not open to providing both the presidential or vice-presidential ticket to Kwankwaso, the occasion’s Nationwide Chairman, Mark, would possibly meet the previous Kano governor to debate different phrases.

“No one can promise anybody the presidential or vice-presidential ticket, given the present realities inside the ADC. Nonetheless, the Nationwide Chairman may help negotiate and focus on the sharing of positions, resembling ministerial appointments, Nationwide Meeting management positions, and even the SGF,” the supply stated.

 “The chairman can be anticipated to satisfy with Kwankwaso himself inside the subsequent couple of days. A committee has been set as much as deliberate on these points and rapidly arrive at a decision and settlement.

 “Nonetheless, the occasion stays optimistic that Kwankwaso will come into its fold and be part of others in defeating the All Progressives Congress administration.”

 The ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, declined to touch upon the committee.

He, nonetheless, stated the occasion would go away no stone unturned to strengthen its membership and capability.

 Abdullahi stated, “ADC is a celebration that has come to remain, and we’re leaving no stone unturned to make sure that we improve our membership and take away the APC authorities.”

NNPP in energetic talks

When contacted, the NNPP Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, stated his occasion and Kwankwaso had been consulting with different events.

He, nonetheless, didn’t specify whether or not the ADC was amongst them.

 “I’m not going to touch upon that (Kwakwanso becoming a member of ADC), however what I can let you know is that consultations are ongoing. The management of the occasion, together with our nationwide chief, His Excellency Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is consulting with all related stakeholders throughout the size and breadth of the nation,” Johnson stated.

 “We’re assured that no matter determination the management of the NNPP and our nationwide chief take shall be in the very best curiosity of all members of the Kwankwasiyya motion, in addition to within the curiosity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its residents.

 “We’re subsequently consulting broadly and successfully, and on the applicable time, an announcement shall be issued to make clear our place.”