Former PDP Aspirant Rejects ADC as Viable 2027 Alternative, Blames Party for National Problems
A former presidential aspirant of Nigeria’s main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has declared the African Democratic Congress (ADC) an unsuitable alternative for the 2027 elections, asserting that its prominent members are part of the nation’s existing political challenges.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme, Olawepo-Hashim contended that, with few exceptions, the ADC’s leadership is comprised of individuals who served in previous administrations he holds responsible for Nigeria’s security crises, economic difficulties, and the politicisation of religion, particularly in the North.
He directly linked the ADC to the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, stating, “Most of the players in the ADC were part of the recent problem. Apart from Peter Obi and Atiku, the ADC elements are all Buhari’s.” He repeated his accusation, saying, “They are part of the problem, the problem of weaponizing religion in Northern Nigeria, insecurity, and a bankrupt economy. They were part of the problem.”
Olawepo-Hashim argued that seeking governance change through a party populated by figures from past administrations would be futile. “You cannot go from the frying pan into the fire. So, don’t go from PDP to ADC,” he advised voters and political actors.
His comments come as Nigeria’s political landscape begins to consolidate ahead of the 2027 general election. The ADC, formally registered in 2022, has been positioning itself as a third-force option, attracting some politicians from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition PDP. However, Olawepo-Hashim’s critique suggests a significant hurdle for the ADC in establishing itself as a genuine alternative, as it faces charges of lacking fresh faces and being a repository for political actors from failed systems.
The former PDP aspirant’s stance underscores the persistent challenge of opposition unity and voter fatigue in Nigeria. By dismissing the ADC, he implies that a credible path to change requires parties and candidates untainted by the governance record of the last two decades. His remarks highlight the intra-opposition dynamics that could shape the strategies of various political groups as they prepare for the next electoral cycle, potentially complicating efforts to present a unified front against the incumbent APC.
