Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has criticized the African Democratic Congress, ADC, describing its members as “detractors” who previously contributed to Nigeria’s economic hardship. The governor made this statement while receiving an endorsement from former members of the Bakassi Defence Force, BDF, who have pledged their support for his re-election bid in 2027.

During the event, Governor Otu empowered the former BDF members with grants totaling N800 million. He expressed his appreciation for their gesture, stating that the ADC is merely a distraction. The governor emphasized that the ADC’s attempts to gain power are futile, citing the party’s inability to provide effective leadership.

Governor Otu also commented on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, describing it as a “sickly group” that cannot return Nigeria to its previous state. He drew from his own experience as a former opposition member to assert that detractors are incapable of achieving meaningful change.

Despite his strong criticism of the ADC and PDP, Governor Otu affirmed his commitment to upholding democratic principles, including the freedom of association and expression. He acknowledged that democracy guarantees the right to form political groups and express opinions, and his administration will not stifle dissenting voices.

The governor’s remarks come as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve. The endorsement by the former BDF members is seen as a significant boost to Governor Otu’s re-election campaign. As the country prepares for future elections, political parties and alliances are likely to play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s political trajectory.

The African Democratic Congress has been one of the notable players in Nigeria’s political scene, although its influence has been limited in recent years. The party’s attempts to regain power will likely face significant challenges, including the incumbent government’s strong stance against opposition. As the political climate in Nigeria continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the ADC and other opposition parties will respond to Governor Otu’s criticism and navigate the country’s complex political landscape.