…they are working for Tinubu, APC
The Grassroots Mobilisation Network, GMN, a support group of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has said any of its leaders who leaves the ADC at this stage is nothing but a political contractor working for the actualisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s life presidency.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, GMN National Secretary Usman Bala Idris was reacting to ongoing rumours of planned defections by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, leader, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
According to reports, both are planning to run on a joint ticket under the National Democratic Congress, NDC.
Idris said neither Obi nor Kwankwaso congratulated the ADC leadership over its victory at the Supreme Court, an indication that the duo were undermining the party.
He accused the duo of looking for free tickets or coronation instead of competing with others.
“Nobody has ever been president of Nigeria without a primary election. Even the current president went through a rigorous primary,” Idris said.
He said the problem in the ADC was engineered by the ruling party, adding that the APC would do the same wherever they congregate.
“The best thing to do is to remain united and fight together rather than leaving,” he said.
“The Presidency and the APC have laid landmines in every other political party and none of the parties is an exemption,” Idris said.
“Therefore, forum shopping for parties will not help the political interest of any aspirant. What is best is for all aspirants to stay together and resist this ongoing annihilation of parties.”
Idris dismissed claims that there are legal battles within the ADC justified an exit.
“The excuse by the two political leaders that the ADC is enmeshed in legal fights is not enough,” he said.
“The best thing for all the leaders to do is to stay and salvage it together rather than running away.”
He added that many believed if the duo are leaving, it’s clear they are contracted by the ruling APC to cause disaffection within the ADC.
“The exit of Obi and Kwankwaso would be of no effect on the party. ADC as a party is intact and unshakable. We remain formidable and continue to grow in strength,” Idris said.
“Our group is very much aware that a former president from the South West, whose daughter has been pencilled down as a deputy governorship candidate under the ruling party, was behind their defection talks,” Idris alleged.
“How can anyone trust a man whose interest is in the ruling party because of his daughter to support an opposition party?” he queried.
On the reported NDC ticket, Idris said the NDC’s problem is worse than ADC’s, alleging it is a party registered by court and not INEC.
“So how can such a party be on the ballot?” he asked.
He described defection at this stage as political contracting, alleging it would only serve the interests of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and President Tinubu.
The GMN statement comes amid reports of realignment talks among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections, and ongoing leadership litigation within the ADC.
