Chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State have projected that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will face defeat in the 2027 general elections. They attribute this prediction to the severe hunger, economic difficulties, and persistent power outages plaguing the nation.
Defection Event Signals Political Shift
The declaration was made during a significant political event in Egbeda Local Government Area. Scores of members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formally defected to an emerging coalition under the ADC's banner. The event, held in the Jinanrere area of Alakia, Ibadan, was overseen by the ADC Chairman for Egbeda, Hon. Funso Owoade.
Key ADC figures present included the party's governorship aspirant for the state, Chief Niyi Aborisade, and the Oyo State Chairman of the ADC, Alhaji Yinka Olona. They used the occasion to critique the current administration and present their party as a viable alternative.
ADC Leaders Condemn APC's Performance
Addressing journalists, Chief Niyi Aborisade stated that the APC has irrevocably lost the confidence of Nigerians. He linked this directly to the deteriorating living standards across the country. "APC can’t and won’t win elections again because people are dying of hunger and hardship," Aborisade asserted.
He highlighted the crippling power crisis, claiming that approximately 80% of Nigerians are living in darkness. This situation, he argued, has paralyzed businesses and made family survival a daily struggle. Aborisade framed the growing wave of defections to the ADC as evidence of widespread disillusionment with both the APC and the PDP.
"We have left the PDP; we have left darkness and come to light," he said, expressing his belief that the ADC is the party of the future and is poised to become the most popular political force in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
Olona Declares PDP Irrelevant, Touts ADC's Democratic Ethos
In his remarks, Alhaji Yinka Olona welcomed the new members and delivered a stern verdict on the opposition. "PDP is dead and no longer has the capacity to present credible leadership to the people," he declared. He accused the APC of making empty promises and failing to deliver on them.
Olona positioned the 2027 election as a direct contest between the ADC and the Nigerian people. He emphasized the party's internal democracy as a key strength, stating, "In ADC, we are well organised. We allow party members to choose their leaders." He expressed confidence that, by God's grace, the ADC would win the presidency and govern many states.
The ADC Publicity Secretary, Barrister Bimpe Adelowo, added a vivid metaphor, describing the PDP as "a party on oxygen," and noting that "the oxygen has now been removed."
Defectors Cite Marginalisation and Broken Promises
Speaking for the group of defectors, Oloye Tajudeen Kareem explained that persistent marginalisation within the PDP forced their exit. "We suffered so much in PDP. We expected dividends of democracy but were utterly disappointed," he lamented.
Another former PDP member, Mr. Ogunwale Leke, echoed this sentiment, expressing frustration that his years of contribution to the party were never recognized or rewarded.
The event also saw the inclusion of representatives from the Hausa community and Ohaneze Ndigbo into the coalition. Alongside the local ADC chairman, they voiced satisfaction with their move, stating that the ADC offered a genuine hope for inclusive governance ahead of the 2027 polls.
