• ADC says worsening hardship and insecurity could hurt Tinubu’s chances in 2027
• The party claims Nigerians are losing confidence in the administration and it accuses Tinubu of focusing on politics instead of citizens’ struggles
• The party also argues that rising debt, inflation, and kidnappings remain major concerns as Nigerians may vote against the ruling party in 2027

The African Democratic Congress has said President Bola Tinubu should be concerned about his chances in the 2027 election, arguing that worsening hardship and insecurity have weakened public support for his administration.

In a statement released on Friday, April 17, by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the President appears disconnected from the struggles facing many Nigerians.

The statement came in response to Tinubu’s recent remarks about opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, during the party’s April 14 national convention.

Tinubu had said he could not be intimidated by the opposition and accused coalition leaders of attempting to take over the ADC, describing their gathering as a “street convention.”

Reacting to the comments, the ADC said the President’s remarks were not fitting for a leader at a time when Nigerians are facing rising food prices, mounting debt, poor purchasing power, and growing insecurity.

According to the party, many citizens are more concerned about issues such as kidnappings, poverty, and the rising cost of living than political exchanges.

The ADC said Tinubu should focus less on mocking the opposition and more on addressing the country’s pressing challenges.

“The President should be deeply worried that many Nigerians are unhappy with the direction of the country and may choose to vote differently in 2027,” the party said.

The ADC also rejected claims that its national convention was held “on the street.” It said if there were any disruptions to opposition activities, they were caused by restrictions placed on opposition parties.

The party accused the administration of limiting access to public venues such as Eagle Square, which it described as a national space that should be open to all political parties.

It further criticised Tinubu over what it described as attempts to interfere in democratic institutions.

According to the ADC, the President cannot speak about separation of powers while allegedly acting as a political referee and legal interpreter at the same time.

The party also argued that the National Assembly has increasingly appeared to operate in favour of the executive arm of government.

On the political front, the ADC accused Tinubu of trying to win over supporters of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari despite previously distancing himself from Buhari’s legacy.

The party maintained that hardship, insecurity, rising debt, and declining hope remain the biggest issues facing Nigerians.

It added that it would continue building what it described as a credible alternative focused on security, prosperity, democratic freedom, and competent leadership.

ADC to choose 2027 presidential candidate through consensus or primary, says Atiku

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 election will ideally emerge through consensus.

Atiku said the party would only conduct primary elections if stakeholders fail to agree on a consensus candidate.

He also said he would be willing to step aside if another candidate emerges either through consensus or through the party’s primary process.