PDP Chieftain Backs ADC, "Party Has Emerged as Leading Opposition, Poised to Challenge APC in 2027"

• Comrade Usman Okai Austin, former House of Reps candidate for the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency under the PDP, has declared the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the new leading opposition party in Nigeria
• Okai explained that the ADC has overtaken the PDP and the Labour Party (LP) to emerge as the leading opposition party and is strategically positioned to challenge the ruling APC in 2027
• In a statement issued on Monday, Okai asserted that the ADC's emergence is not an electoral competition but represents a transformative force aimed at redefining Nigeria's politics

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Comrade Usman Okai Austin, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape and a former candidate for the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has proclaimed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the new leading opposition party in Nigeria.

According to Comrade Okai Austin, the ADC has eclipsed the PDP and the Labour Party (LP) in terms of influence and is now strategically positioned to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Austin, who actively participated in the 2023 elections as a PDP representative, characterised the ADC’s rise as a “child of necessity.”

He believes this evolution is a critical and timely response to the current political climate in Nigeria, reflecting a growing disenchantment with traditional opposition parties and a burgeoning desire among the electorate for innovative leadership and transformative political solutions.

"The ADC’s rapid ascent has been marked by a series of high-profile defections from other parties, underscoring its expanding appeal across the political spectrum.

"Notable figures who have recently joined the ADC include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. These strategic realignments signal a concerted effort to consolidate opposition voices into a formidable coalition capable of challenging the APC’s long-standing dominance," Okai stated.

Speaking further, Okai noted that to further strengthen its leadership framework, the ADC has appointed former Senate President David Mark as its interim national chairman and ex-interior minister Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary.

These appointments are seen as a move to inject experience and credibility into the party’s operations. However, ongoing internal discussions regarding the legitimacy and cohesion of the coalition that brought these prominent figures together suggest that challenges remain as the party seeks to unify its diverse membership.

For Usman Okai Austin, the ADC’s growing momentum transcends mere electoral competition; it represents a pivotal opportunity to redefine Nigeria’s political and governance landscape. He emphasized the party’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting sustainable economic growth, and fostering national unity. This vision, he argues, is poised to resonate deeply with Nigerians who are increasingly seeking credible alternatives to the prevailing political status quo.

As the nation gears up for the 2027 elections, the ADC’s ability to maintain its upward trajectory and convert its newfound prominence into electoral success will be under close scrutiny. Austin’s declaration marks a crucial turning point in Nigeria’s opposition politics, igniting renewed hope and enthusiasm for a more dynamic and competitive political environment. The ADC’s emergence as a leading opposition party could signal a transformative phase in Nigeria’s democratic journey, one that may redefine the contours of political engagement and governance in the years to come.

With the ADC now positioned as a formidable challenger to the APC, stakeholders, analysts, and voters alike will be watching closely to see how this political narrative unfolds in the lead-up to the elections. The stage is set for a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history, and the ADC’s trajectory could very well shape the future of the nation’s democracy.

Read more about ADC here:

• "Renewed Hope": What Natasha's Appeal Court victory means for PDP, Austin Okai speaks
• Labour Party's Peter Obi opens up on why he joined ADC coalition
• 2027 election: Wike fires ADC coalition in viral video
• 2027: Timi Frank warns ADC coalition against agitating for southern, northern presidency

Why ADC website crashed

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday, July 7, confirmed that its official website crashed three times last week.

The ADC chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Ibrahim Mani, said the crash occurred following an unprecedented surge in traffic from Nigerians seeking to be members of the party.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and other top politicians unveiled the ADC in Abuja last week and gave a reason.

Source: Legit.ng