The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced its resolve to challenge the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State and rally behind any presidential candidate that emerges from its coalition in the 2027 elections.
Speaking during the official unveiling of the party in Maiduguri on Thursday, August 7, Sheriff Banki, the party’s convener in the state, accused the APC of systematically suppressing opposition voices through various tactics.
Banki stated that the ADC intends to function as a formidable opposition party in the state, actively scrutinising policies and resisting actions it deems undemocratic.
He said, “Because of the crises facing major opposition parties in the country, which are perpetuated by the present APC administration in the country, we have decided to go into a national coalition movement, which we believe cannot be controlled or manipulated by the APC.”
He emphasised the need for Borno to be part of the broader national political realignment.
“Borno is in dire need of opposition parties. As far as we are concerned, there is no opposition in the state,” he said.
Banki added, “But starting from today, with the unveiling of this ADC, there will be tough opposition in Borno State that can checkmate and hold the government responsible for having proper checks and balances of their activities.”
He also aligned the state chapter with the national coalition led by Atiku Abubakar in the North East and Kashim Imam in Borno.
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“As part of this national movement, we refuse to allow Borno to remain isolated. We have therefore embraced the coalition and adopted the ADC as our party,” Banki said.
Regarding the 2027 elections, he affirmed the party’s collective commitment to supporting whichever presidential aspirant emerges as the consensus candidate.
“Both the obedient members of the party and others who have come together will support whoever emerges as the presidential candidate of the party, and that is the agreement between all the leaders,” he said.
He noted that the party aims to provide a strong political alternative for Nigerians, particularly those with innovative ideas to drive development.
“We can win. What has always held us back from succeeding in the state is the manipulation both within and outside.
“The people within the opposition are often manipulated, and the ruling party has all the mechanisms to manipulate whatever they want.
“In this case, with serious commitment, courage, I believe we can confront them, challenge them and succeed in the struggle,” he assured.