ABUJA, Nigeria — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that Nigerians, not former President Olusegun Obasanjo, will determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of focusing on political personalities instead of addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.
The opposition party made the statement through its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who alleged that the APC was attempting to shift public attention from the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration by highlighting Obasanjo’s recent comments about the ADC’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
According to the ADC, Nigerians are more concerned about rising inflation, the high cost of living, unemployment and insecurity than political disagreements among prominent leaders. The party argued that the 2027 presidential election would be decided by the everyday experiences of citizens and their assessment of the government’s performance rather than the personal opinions of any political figure.
The party also referred to concerns recently raised by Catholic bishops regarding the country’s economic and security situation. It accused the APC of responding by attacking critics instead of addressing issues such as worsening poverty, increasing food prices and persistent insecurity.
Abdullahi said democratic governance requires governments to respond constructively to criticism by providing solutions rather than engaging in political attacks. He argued that respected Nigerians who raise concerns about national challenges should not be treated as political opponents simply because they express differing opinions.
On Obasanjo’s comments concerning Atiku Abubakar, the ADC acknowledged that the former president is entitled to his views, noting that freedom of expression is guaranteed in a democratic society. However, the party maintained that personal opinions cannot erase what it described as the economic achievements recorded during the administration in which Atiku served as Vice President and Chairman of the National Economic Council.
The ADC claimed that Nigeria experienced stronger economic growth, greater macroeconomic stability, improved investor confidence and a lower cost of living during that period than under the current administration. It insisted that those achievements remain part of the country’s economic history regardless of subsequent political disagreements.
The opposition party further challenged the Federal Government to explain why food prices continue to rise, why more Nigerians are experiencing economic hardship, why unemployment remains a major concern and why many communities continue to face insecurity despite government assurances. It also questioned the increasing debt burden and its impact on national development.
Political analysts say the exchange reflects the growing intensity of political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both ruling and opposition parties seeking to shape public opinion. They expect debates over economic management, insecurity, governance and social welfare to dominate the political landscape as the election approaches.
Observers also believe that Kano and other politically strategic states will remain key battlegrounds as parties intensify consultations, build alliances and position themselves for the next electoral contest. The performance of governments at both the federal and state levels is expected to feature prominently in campaign discussions.
The ADC concluded by insisting that the outcome of the 2027 presidential election will ultimately be determined by the Nigerian electorate. The party maintained that voters will make their decisions based on their personal experiences, the state of the economy, security and governance rather than on the opinions expressed by any individual political leader.
