The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned supporters of its presidential aspirants to desist from promoting division and claims of exceptionality ahead of the party’s June primaries.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, issued the warning on Saturday while speaking during a live audio conversation on X (formerly Twitter) on the state of the nation and the polity in Abuja.
Abdullahi said divisive rhetoric among aspirants’ supporters could weaken the party and work to the advantage of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that unity was critical to ADC’s chances in the next general elections.
He also described the proposal to hold the 2027 general elections in 2026 as a “double-edged sword” for the party, noting that while an early election could make it difficult for ADC to heal internal wounds, it could also benefit the party as Nigerians were increasingly dissatisfied with the current administration.
According to him, the party leadership is actively engaging key political figures to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the elections.
“I spent time talking to Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai on uniting the party and improving Nigeria,” Abdullahi said.
“Our leaders are aware of the task ahead, and every one of them is committed to ensuring that we win this election together resolutely.”
Speaking further on the timing of the elections, Abdullahi said, “Whether elections hold this year or next year, it will work for and against us as opposition.”
He warned supporters against adopting an “all-or-nothing” posture around any aspirant, saying such attitudes undermine the party’s broader goal of winning elections.
“Saying it is either this candidate or nothing is not helpful; winning the election matters, and divisiveness cannot deliver victory for the party,” he said.
Abdullahi added that all ADC aspirants were qualified, cautioning against the vilification of individuals or regions, which he said complicates efforts to build nationwide support.
“We will ignore people creating exceptionality and focus on our work because we want to win these elections credibly, peacefully and inclusively nationwide together as one,” he stated.
He specifically criticised slogans suggesting “Peter Obi or nothing,” arguing that such rhetoric limits outreach and hardens positions needed for electoral success across regions.
The ADC spokesman also said the party was taking the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections seriously, following its poor showing in the Anambra off-season governorship election, and hoped to make a strong statement in the FCT polls.
In addition, Abdullahi expressed concern over reports that some state governments were allegedly compelling civil servants with National Identification Numbers (NIN) to register as members of their political parties.
