PDP Presidency Brands ADC Leaders ‘Serial Election Losers’ as Political War of Words Intensifies
The political landscape became more volatile on Thursday as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, clashed with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the party’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
During his monthly media chat in Abuja, Wike dismissed the recently formed political coalition led by the ADC, asserting that only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has the structure to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Wike scoffed at the coalition’s relevance, claiming that Nigerians are not even considering the ADC as a viable option.
Meanwhile, the PDP’s National Working Committee, through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, clarified that the party has not adopted any formal stance regarding the coalition.
The ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, accused former Senate President David Mark’s faction within the party of deliberately engineering the coalition to make former Vice President Atiku Abubakar its 2027 presidential candidate. Kachikwu vowed to take legal action to reclaim control of the ADC.
Responding to Wike, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused Wike of being rattled by the emerging coalition’s threat to the administration he represents. Abdullahi stressed that the coalition belongs to ordinary Nigerians.
On Wednesday, a coalition of opposition politicians announced the ADC as their platform to unseat Tinubu in 2027, citing his alleged failure to improve citizens’ living conditions. Labour Party’s Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and others publicly supported the coalition, now led by an interim committee chaired by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary.
Wike’s Sharp Rebuke
Wike harshly criticized the coalition’s leaders, accusing them of exploiting citizens for personal political gain. He dismissed their claims that Nigerians are angry, highlighting their own past failures.
“David Mark was Senate President for eight years. Were Nigerians happy then? Otukpo, his hometown, had no significant project. Nigerians were only angry now? Rotimi Amaechi was Minister for eight years under whose tenure Nigeria accumulated huge Chinese loans. Were Nigerians happy then? They only remember anger now?”
He accused the coalition of hypocrisy, citing former officeholders like Seriake Dickson and Aminu Tambuwal, who, according to him, did little during their tenure.
Wike insisted that only individuals without prior governmental experience could credibly criticize Tinubu’s administration, adding that Tinubu’s tough reforms are necessary for Nigeria’s recovery.
“If this President hadn’t taken these difficult but necessary steps, Nigeria’s situation would have been worse. People are angry because states are receiving more revenue, and infrastructure projects are advancing. We have challenges, but stop weaponizing Nigerians’ frustrations,” he said.
He maintained that the PDP remains the only viable opposition force if it resolves its internal issues.
Coalition Fires Back
Abdullahi said Wike’s outburst stems from his fear of the coalition’s growing influence.
“If Wike had fulfilled his promises, the coalition wouldn’t have emerged. Instead, he’s commissioning white elephant projects while neglecting workers’ welfare. He represents a government that’s lost touch with Nigerians,” Abdullahi said.
He slammed Wike for undermining the PDP, accusing him of destroying the party to serve his current political masters.
“Our grievances lie in the government’s failure to address poverty, insecurity, and education. This coalition belongs to the Nigerian people, who have been betrayed repeatedly,” Abdullahi asserted.
APC Labels Coalition as ‘Gathering of Failures’
The All Progressives Congress (APC) also attacked the coalition, dismissing it as a gathering of political opportunists.
APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the coalition as a “congregation of deceivers,” calling it a desperate attempt by politicians with tainted records to reclaim power.
“The ADC coalition is driven by selfish ambition, not national interest. It includes politicians with dismal public service records and no grassroots support,” Morka said.
He accused the coalition of lacking substance, stating that David Mark’s speech during the unveiling event was empty rhetoric.
Presidency Dismisses Coalition’s Credibility
Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare argued that the ADC lacks the national appeal and cohesion that birthed the APC in 2013.
“The ADC coalition isn’t built on justice or selflessness. It’s led by serial election losers seeking personal power grabs,” Dare wrote on X.
He noted that APC’s formation involved collective sacrifices and the unifying presence of Muhammadu Buhari, which the current coalition lacks.
“No one in this coalition can unite a ward, let alone the nation. The 2013 APC coalition was about legitimate grievances; this one is pure opportunism,” Dare concluded.
Another presidential aide, Daniel Bwala, also derided the coalition, calling it “a dead-on-arrival gathering of political desperadoes.”
Amaechi’s Radical Call
Former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi called on citizens to take their destinies into their hands if they seek change in 2027.
“To stop Tinubu in 2027, Nigerians must directly challenge the political elite,” Amaechi said during a presentation in Abuja.
He lamented Nigerians’ passivity despite their numerical strength, urging mass action similar to protests in other nations.
“Nigeria is docile. There’s no revolution without sacrifices. You can’t just sit and grumble; you must act,” he said.
Amaechi also criticized the current labour unions for failing to mobilize protests.
PDP Maintains Neutrality
The PDP reiterated that it has not endorsed any coalition.
National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated, “The PDP is focusing on internal consolidation and upcoming conventions. No official position has been taken on coalition talks.”
Despite defections from the PDP to the ADC, the party maintains it is not joining the coalition.
“We remain open to partnerships but are committed to independently rebuilding for the 2027 elections,” Ologunagba said.
Labour Party Ultimatum to Obi
The Labour Party (LP) issued a 48-hour ultimatum to its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, demanding he resign over his coalition alliance.
LP spokesman Obiora Ifoh described the coalition as a group of desperate politicians.
“We won’t tolerate dual loyalty. Members involved in the coalition must resign immediately,” Ifoh warned.
However, a faction of the LP led by Nenadi Usman dismissed the ultimatum, saying it lacks legal standing.
“Obi has the full backing of the LP leadership to engage in coalition talks,” said Usman’s aide, Eluma Asogwa.
Coalition to Unveil ‘Contract with Nigerians’
Former ADC Chairman Ralph Nwosu announced plans to unveil a ‘Contract with Nigerians’ soon.
“This blueprint will offer a new direction for Nigeria. We’ve been preparing for 18 months, and the coalition is now firmly rooted nationwide,” Nwosu said.
He dismissed rival factions, declaring the ADC-led coalition as the only serious political alternative.
Kachikwu Accuses Coalition of Hidden Agenda
Dumebi Kachikwu accused David Mark’s ADC faction of plotting to make Atiku Abubakar its 2027 candidate.
“They told me directly: their sole agenda is to ‘take power back’ for the North. That ended my engagement with them,” Kachikwu revealed.
He dared the coalition to publicly commit to zoning its presidential ticket to the South, arguing that their silence exposes their true intent.
PDP, LP Voices Challenge Credibility of Coalition
PDP’s Showunmi Calls Coalition a Gathering of Opportunists
Amid the escalating political drama ahead of the 2027 general elections, influential figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) have voiced sharp criticism of the emerging opposition coalition championed by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Segun Showunmi, a prominent PDP stalwart and outspoken political analyst, firmly rejected the idea that this coalition has what it takes to unseat President Bola Tinubu. He characterized the coalition as a gathering of political veterans notorious for chasing power without delivering results.
“Nigerians must not fall for this charade. These individuals emerge every election season with lofty promises of change, yet they leave nothing but failed projects and shattered hopes. They aren’t coming together to rescue Nigeria; they are regrouping to rescue themselves from political irrelevance,” Showunmi said in a strong-worded statement.
He further urged Nigerians to scrutinize the political history of those promoting the coalition. He pointed out that many of these individuals have switched parties multiple times, chasing personal ambitions rather than advancing national interests.
Showunmi explained, “Nigerians are no longer naive. They can recognize political opportunism when they see it. This coalition is nothing more than an alliance of self-seeking politicians, many of whom have already tested and failed in public office. Nigerians must not allow themselves to be deceived by their sweet-talking and empty promises.”
Labour Party’s Arabambi Warns Against Recycled Politicians
Echoing similar concerns, Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, equally condemned the coalition, describing its leaders as discredited politicians seeking another opportunity to mislead Nigerians.
“Those responsible for Nigeria’s current woes now pretend to be its messiahs. Nigerians have witnessed their failures firsthand, and we must reject them firmly and decisively,” Arabambi warned.
Arabambi took it a step further, labeling the coalition as a desperate comeback attempt by politicians whose previous leadership only brought hardship and disappointment.
“These are the same people who had their chance and failed spectacularly. They are now repackaging themselves as reformers. But their records are clear to every Nigerian. There is nothing new they can offer. What we need is visionary, people-centered leadership, not the recycled ambitions of those who have repeatedly betrayed the trust of the people,” he said.
Both PDP and LP leaders agreed that Nigerians must be vigilant and cautious during this critical political period. They urged the electorate to focus on credible candidates with proven records of service rather than recycled politicians using new banners.
As tensions rise, it is increasingly clear that the 2027 presidential race will be a fiercely contested battleground. Political factions are scrambling for influence, seeking to outmaneuver one another ahead of the polls. With accusations and counter-accusations flying, Nigeria appears poised for months of intense political jockeying, fiery rhetoric, and strategic realignments that could reshape its democratic landscape.
In the end, the power lies with Nigerian voters. As election campaigns intensify, citizens are being reminded to look beyond catchy slogans and carefully examine the true motivations and track records of those seeking their mandate.