Atiku: ADC Coalition Driven by Patriotism, Not Desperation — Presidency in Denial

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has insisted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition is a patriotic initiative founded on genuine national interest—contrary to claims by the Tinubu administration that it is motivated by desperation. He reaffirmed his commitment to resisting electoral fraud and confronting the growing wave of poor governance in the country.

Echoing this stance, the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the coalition’s objective goes beyond unseating President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. According to him, the real goal is to demonstrate to Nigerians that a viable alternative exists—one that can halt the APC’s alleged march toward a one-party state and the erosion of vital national institutions.

But reacting strongly, presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare, in a press briefing in Abuja, dismissed the opposition alliance as a self-serving club of political opportunists, not patriots. He declared emphatically, “There is no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031.”

Dare argued that Tinubu’s administration is still in its early phase and has already shown strength through “bold reforms, stable governance, and a clear national vision.” He maintained that the presidency remains in the region to which it is “rightfully due,” and will not shift hands until 2031.

Taking a swipe at the ADC coalition, Dare said its leaders lack the discipline, grassroots connection, and strategic patience that defined the successful 2013 APC merger. “Back then, Asiwaju Tinubu had the loyalty of sitting governors, yet he waited, played the long game, and built a political structure with national depth. Today, none of the opposition figures can unite even a ward, let alone a nation,” he added.

He further mocked the coalition’s narrative of injustice, calling it a “political fairy tale” meant to manipulate public emotion. “There is no injustice to correct—just a hunger for power and access to the national treasury,” he said.

Atiku Counters: Tinubu’s Camp Is Nervous, ADC Offers Real Democratic Alternative

Responding through his media aide Paul Ibe, Atiku said the panic from Tinubu’s camp reflects the fear of a credible challenge. He argued that the ADC-led coalition represents a truly democratic alternative—guided by open primaries, ideology, and internal transparency—unlike what he described as the APC’s cult-like structure driven by “one man’s ego.”

“This is not about recycled ambition,” Atiku said. “It’s about rescuing Nigeria from decline. We are uniting for the Nigerian interest, not for personal gain.”

Ibe pushed back on criticism from the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and presidential aide Bayo Onanuga. Addressing Onanuga’s remarks on X (formerly Twitter), Ibe asked: “Who’s really spent? If anything, President Tinubu looks politically exhausted. His age, school records, and personal history remain shrouded in controversy.”

He called Wike’s criticism hypocritical, noting the same man who benefited from the 2015 APC coalition is now attacking another coalition for doing the same. “Is it no longer democracy when those outside power unite to challenge the status quo?” he asked.

According to Ibe, the appointment of former Senate President David Mark as interim chairman demonstrates the coalition’s seriousness and credibility. “David Mark is not someone you push around. His integrity and experience will provide steady leadership in this critical phase,” he added.

He also dismissed Onanuga’s attacks as a diversion from the deepening economic hardship and insecurity. “Rather than face these realities, they label every critic as corrupt or irrelevant. Nigerians see through this game,” Ibe said.

Atiku Pledges to Defend Democracy, Fight Electoral Fraud

Atiku reiterated his resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy during a meeting with political stakeholders from Gombe State, led by former Senator Idris Abdullahi. He posted on X: “I vow to stand against election theft and resist bad governance. The ADC coalition will work to deliver genuine change to Nigerians.”

He praised the interim leadership of the coalition and welcomed the Gombe delegation’s pledge of loyalty, noting his past role in supporting the election of Danjuma Goje as governor in 2003.

ADC’s Bolaji Abdullahi: We Represent the Alternative Nigeria Deserves

Meanwhile, ADC’s spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi emphasized that the party’s mission is to present a real alternative to APC’s alleged misrule.

“We’re not out to destroy democracy—we are trying to rescue it. Look at the cost of living, the price of fuel, and the collapse of the naira. Nigerians are at the edge,” he said.

He described the ADC coalition as a lifeline for Nigerians, not a threat. “Our goal is to halt this spiral into food insecurity, poverty, and institutional collapse. ADC represents a better way forward—and that’s what we’ll show the Nigerian people,” Abdullahi concluded.