The African Democratic Congress (ADC) claims it is gaining massive grassroots support nationwide, despite what it describes as deliberate attempts by the ruling party to frustrate its growth.
Speaking at the party’s State Congress in Sokoto on Saturday, former governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said over 500,000 Nigerians recently registered with the party within days after INEC remove names of its leaders from the record, signaling rising public confidence in the ADC as a credible alternative.
“Despite all the so-called banana peels being placed on our path, people are trooping into ADC,” he said. “Nigerians are not discouraged. They are aware, and we are also dismantling those obstacles.”
Tambuwal accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of questionable interpretations of court rulings affecting party activities but insisted the party remains focused.
On internal concerns about potential divisions over candidate selection, Tambuwal dismissed fears of crisis, saying the party would follow democratic processes.
“If consensus is possible, we adopt it. If not, we go for primaries. That is democracy,” he said, referencing how Muhammadu Buhari emerged through competitive primaries in 2014.
Outlining the party’s vision, Tambuwal said an ADC-led federal government would prioritise security, economic recovery, and job creation.
“The irreducible minimum is security. We will address insecurity head-on,” he said. “We will also tackle unemployment, invest in education, agriculture, and ensure stable power supply.”
He also commended party members in Sokoto for what he described as a “massive and organic turnout” at the congress, noting that enthusiasm within the party remains high.
“We have seen commitment, determination, and belief in the ADC. That is what will drive change,” he added.
