By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has disclosed that while Nigerians are ready to return President Bola Tinubu to his Bourdillon home, Lagos in 2027, opposition leaders are disunited and not ready for the change.
Abdullahi who made the remarks during his vote of thanks at the end of the presentation of his memoir, titled ‘The Loyalist’, urged opposition leaders to come together, cautioning that disunity could weaken their chances of success.
“I know I am talking myself into trouble again. I have been under fire in the last three days by some of the passionate supporters on Twitter. But I will keep saying this, because of Nigeria, this country, has no substitute, has no alternative.
“I beg you—our leaders, I beg you. Nigerians are waiting. I was in Delta some weeks before the end of last year. The people at the airport who recognized me, came to me and said, ‘Please, we know you. You people must not fail.’ And I get that everywhere I have gone. I’m sure you also get it.
“I am making this appeal: please, come together more. Let our followers direct their passion into the ADC. Let them know there is only one party, and our mission is bigger than anything—any individual or individual ambition. This is what I’m begging. So it is my hope that if this is the only thing that this gathering this afternoon is able to achieve, Alhamdulillah.”
Recall that supporters of different candidates have been at each other neck lately, threatening to walk away from the party if their principal was not handed the Presidential flag of the party.
They have also expressed differing views on zoning, with many of Obi’s backers insisting that the ticket should be zoned to the South, maintaining that the coalition must settle for the former governor or no one at all.
In response, Abdullahi during an ADC on-line media chat via X on Saturday, urged supporters of the party’s presidential aspirants to avoid a “must-be-my-candidate” mindset, warning that such divisive loyalty could weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.
The ADC National Publicity Secretary emphasised the need for supporters to back all aspirants collectively, stressing that unity is crucial for strengthening the party’s presidential bid.
He stated, “For 2027, Nigerians are ready. But I don’t think we are ready. We are not coming together enough. We are not holding hands enough. Nigerians look at us; they see different enclaves and different entities. They see competition rather than cooperation”.
