ADC will take over — Aregbesola, as Jegede defects
By Dayo Johnson, Akure
AKURE — Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to reject President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general elections, saying the hardship in the country has become unbearable.
Atiku spoke on Thursday in Akure, Ondo State, during the official reception for former two-time governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, who formally joined the ADC alongside his supporters.
The former Vice President accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of failing to deliver the dividends of democracy and urged Nigerians to vote the party out in 2027.
“We are committed to restoring subsidy, we are committed to restoring security all over this country. If we are elected, no part of this country will feel insecure anymore,” Atiku said.
He recalled what he described as the economic gains recorded between 1999 and 2007, when he served as vice president, and argued that Nigeria’s economic position had deteriorated under the APC.
“You know what we did between 1999 and 2007, we made Nigeria the finest economy in Africa. Today we are number five. Who is responsible for taking us backward? Is it not the APC? This is the moment to vote them out,” he said.
Atiku said calls for political change were growing across the country, adding: “There is this popular saying now that Tinubu must go.”
He cited the recent Osun governorship election as an example of voter participation and vigilance, urging ADC supporters to replicate such mobilisation in 2027.
“I appeal to those who have voter cards, for their own sake, their families and their future, to go out and vote. That is the solution to the problems they are facing. After voting, they should stay, escort and ensure that those votes are counted,” he said.
Welcoming Jegede into the ADC, Atiku described his defection as a boost to the party’s preparations for 2027.
“You can see our brother and friend Eyitayo and his associates have joined us today. We are winning the coming presidential election,” he said.
ADC Will Take Over
Representing ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, at the event, the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, said the party would mobilise to win the 2027 elections.
“We are going to let everyone know that ADC is the boss when we vote in January and February. We are going to mobilise to win the coming election. You can see things are costly, we are going to bring the cost down,” Aregbesola said.
He said the strength of the party would ultimately be determined by votes, urging supporters to mobilise voters and ensure their mandates were protected.
Aregbesola also said the ADC was committed to a credible electoral process in which votes would count and mandates freely given by voters would be respected without fear or intimidation.
Jegede: Suffering Too Much
In his remarks, Jegede decried rising unemployment and economic hardship, saying the situation required a change in government.
“There is unemployment in Nigeria, you can all see that. There is hardship, you can all see that. The suffering is too much,” he said.
Jegede said his defection marked the beginning of a new political journey, expressing confidence that the ADC would make significant gains in the 2027 elections.
“The journey has begun. We want a democratic government. We are sure of winning the Senate, House of Representatives and the Presidency. We are going to mobilise and unite to win in 2027. All PDP members loyal to me have moved to ADC,” he said.
The Ondo State Chairman of the ADC, Tola Alabere, in his vote of thanks, welcomed Jegede and his supporters, expressing confidence that the party would make significant gains in the state and across the country.
Jegede Raises Venue Withdrawal Claim
Meanwhile, Jegede raised concern over the alleged last-minute withdrawal of the approved venue for the reception.
Through the organising committee, he alleged that the NEPA Car Park in Akure, which had been approved and paid for, was withdrawn by the state government a few hours before the event.
He said the development disrupted arrangements for the reception but commended his supporters for remaining peaceful and accepting an alternative venue without confrontation.
The ADC has been positioning itself as a platform for opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, with Jegede’s formal entry adding to its growing political activity in Ondo State.
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