The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has asserted that President Bola Tinubu is likely to lose the upcoming 2027 presidential election, claiming that tactics of intimidation, violence, and manipulation of democratic institutions will not secure his re-election.
In a press conference held in Abuja, Kola Ologbondiyan, the director of media and publicity for ADC-PCC, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of exploiting the judiciary and utilizing security agencies against opposition parties in a desperate effort to maintain power. Ologbondiyan highlighted recent incidents of violence against opposition members, including an attack on a campaign venue for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State that allegedly resulted in fatalities.
The ADC-PCC condemned what it called state-sponsored terror against democracy, emphasizing that the attacks represent a troubling trend targeting opposition parties such as ADC, NDC, and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) across various states, including Kaduna and Kogi. Ologbondiyan expressed particular concern over indications that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may be compromised, citing the deployment of APC sympathizers to critical positions within the commission.
Additional allegations include the misuse of law enforcement agencies to intimidate opposition members. Ologbondiyan referred to the involvement of an active security agency director in the APC Presidential Campaign Council, labeling it a breach of legal standards. He stated that these actions reflect a government more focused on preserving power than on conducting a fair electoral process.
The ADC-PCC urged citizens to prepare to safeguard their votes and constitutional rights in the lead-up to the elections and called upon the international community, religious, and civil society organizations to closely monitor the deteriorating political situation in Nigeria. The council warned that inaction against political violence could embolden those undermining democratic structures.
Concerns also were echoed by Taminu Turaki, national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who cautioned against the rising political tensions reminiscent of Nigeria’s tumultuous history. He drew parallels between the current political climate and past events that led to instability and underlined the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating mistakes.
Turaki emphasized that the current government’s actions could lead to the collapse of democracy if unchecked, as public confidence in the electoral process continues to decline. Recent surveys indicate that a significant percentage of Nigerians fear violence might deter them from voting, and confidence in INEC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections is waning.
