The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged Nigerians not to judge the party’s capacity by its poor showing in last month’s by-elections, insisting the contests came too early after its leadership transition.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that the party was still reorganising when the polls were held and was therefore unprepared.
The by-elections, conducted on August 16 to fill vacancies created by deaths and resignations after the 2023 general elections, saw the All Progressives Congress secure 12 of the 16 seats.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance won two in Anambra, the Peoples Democratic Party took one in Oyo, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party clinched one in Kano. The ADC failed to win any seat.
“We cannot be judged by that election.
It happened less than a month after we assumed leadership of the party. Many of the candidates were unfamiliar to us.
It came too early in our transition,” Abdullahi said.
He added that with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s formal recognition of David Mark as National Chairman, alongside Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Mani as Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as Financial Secretary, and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor as Legal Adviser, the ADC is now set for nationwide reconciliation and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abdullahi stressed that the party’s focus is on long-term growth rather than immediate electoral victories. “We want Nigerians to reach 2027 and ask themselves if the ruling party has improved their lives.
When they want change, they should see ADC as a credible alternative,” he said.
The party had earlier blamed its losses on electoral violence, vote buying, and irregularities allegedly orchestrated by the ruling party.