ADC Slams PDP, APC Over 2027 Zoning Plans Amid Nigerians’ Hardship

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for engaging in zoning arrangements ahead of the 2027 presidential election, accusing both parties of insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians.

ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, faulted the major parties for prioritising politics over governance.

“The general election is still in 2027; it’s still two years away. Why are we so preoccupied and behaving in such a way that Nigerians begin to look at the political elite across the divides as if we don’t care about them?” Abdullahi asked.

His remarks followed reports that the PDP had zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while retaining its national chairmanship in the North. Similarly, in May, 22 APC governors and other stakeholders endorsed President Bola Tinubu as the ruling party’s sole candidate for the 2027 poll. Both parties defended their moves as part of Nigeria’s unwritten power rotation arrangement between the North and South.

Abdullahi, however, dismissed the decisions as “political manoeuvres,” arguing that they undermine the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

“They are very experienced people, and they know the implications of showing their way too early. So, it’s either they are playing a predetermined game or baiting some people to come around,” he said.

The ADC spokesman stressed that the coalition party was not under pressure to follow suit, adding that its priority remained building structures across the country.

“We are not bothered with what the PDP has done. Nigerians can see right into it. PDP people are not naïve; they are very experienced politicians. For them to take that decision two years ahead of the presidential election, there must be a game on. But we are not pressured; we are focused on our party,” he said.

Abdullahi also clarified that the ADC had not begun deliberations on zoning, insisting such discussions would come at the appropriate time.

“What is most important to us is to convince Nigerians that we represent that alternative that can bring respite to their current sufferings. As far as the ADC is concerned, we are not having that kind of conversation now. We are focused on mobilising at the grassroots and putting up structures,” he added.

He noted that the party has several qualified aspirants interested in the presidency, contrary to perceptions that the coalition was formed to serve a single candidate.