By George Mgbeleke
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that, despite what it called “recent distractions,” the party remains focused on its set objectives to rescue the country from the misgovernance of the ruling APC and save the country from the travesty of a one-party dictatorship.

Reacting to suggestions in some quarters that the party will not produce candidates in the 2027 elections, the party dismissed such views as unfounded and mischievous scaremongering, with no basis in reality or in any law, insisting that it will field credible candidates for the elections.

The party said it remains the country’s primary opposition platform, with a clear focus on organising, mobilising, and preparing to win the 2027 general elections.

In a statement, the ADC said Nigerians should disregard baseless assertions, noting that the party is fully compliant with all legal requirements and is actively building the structures necessary to contest and win elections at all levels.

The full statement reads:

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to state, clearly and unequivocally, that we remain focused on our mission to rescue Nigeria from the failure of the APC-led government and to prevent the dangerous slide toward a one-party state.

We have taken note of recent suggestions that the ADC will not produce candidates in the 2027 elections. We find such claims to be entirely unfounded, mischievous, and designed to create confusion where none exists. They have no basis in law, in fact, or in the reality of our preparations as a political party.

Let us be clear. The ADC will present candidates in the 2027 general elections. Not just candidates, but credible, competent, and nationally acceptable candidates who are capable of leading this country out of its current crisis.

We remain a law-abiding political party, fully compliant with the Constitution and the Electoral Act. There is no legal impediment to our participation in the 2027 elections, and any suggestion to the contrary is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and dampen the growing momentum around our party.

The ADC stands today as the primary opposition platform in Nigeria, and we take that responsibility seriously. We are not distracted by noise. We are focused on the real work, organising across the country, mobilising Nigerians who are tired of insecurity, rising costs of living, and limited opportunities, and building the structures required not just to contest, but to win.

We urge our members, supporters, and all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard these baseless assertions. The task before us is too important to be derailed by speculation.

By George Mgbeleke

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially released its timetable for the conduct of its 2026 primary elections, outlining the guidelines and requirements for nomination of candidates for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary,Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi,”The timetable reflects the party’s commitment to internal democracy, orderliness, and full compliance with electoral guidelines.

“As outlined in the timetable, the process is already underway, with the collection of application forms running from April 1 to May 4, 2026. The sale of nomination forms will take place from May 5 to May 10, 2026, while the submission of completed forms is scheduled for May 11 to May 13, 2026.

“The party will conduct the screening of aspirants from May 14 to May 15, 2026, followed by the publication of screening results on May 17, 2026. Appeals will be heard between May 18 and May 19, 2026, with the final list of cleared aspirants to be released on May 20, 2026.”/

Continuing Abdullahi said,”The party’s primary elections will commence on May 21, 2026, with elections for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats holding simultaneously at the ward level. The Governorship primaries will take place on May 22, 2026, while the Presidential Primary is scheduled for May 25, 2026.

“This will be followed by a meeting of the National Executive Committee on May 26, 2026, and the Special National Convention on May 27, 2026, where final ratifications will be made.

“In line with its commitment to inclusivity and broad participation, the ADC has also approved a structured fee regime for nomination forms across all elective positions. The presidential nomination form is pegged at N100 million, governorship at N50 million, Senate at N20 million, House of Representatives at N10 million, and State House of Assembly at N3 million.

“To encourage wider participation, the party has introduced concessional rates, offering a 50 percent discount for youthsand a 25 percent discount for women and persons with disabilities.

“The ADC calls on all members, stakeholders, and aspirants to adhere strictly to the outlined schedule and guidelines, as the ADC continues to position itself as the primary platform for Nigerians seeking competent, accountable, and people-focused leadership in 2027.”

Ayade Knowing he had no chance to win the 2022 APC presidential primary,allegedly decided to extort money from other aspirants ,falsely promising to step down for them.

He then shortchanged Cross River delegates, keeping most of the funds for himself while giving them a paltry sum.

He arrogantly told delegates to ignore “deep pocket” candidates and vote for him instead, based on his intellect, a clear attempt to undermine President Tinubu

Again funds provided by the party/presidential campaign for Cross River State were never used for their intended purpose , instead, Ayade donated part of those funds to an opposition candidate,simply because he believed the late former President supported another candidate and not Tinubu.

This was not just disloyalty; it is active financial sabotage.

It was this action by Ayade that directly Caused President Tinubu to Lose Cross River State

Despite the President’s national victory, Ayade’s betrayal, withholding resources, diverting money to rivals, and running a self-interested delegate strategy, ensured that Cross River did not deliver for Tinubu.

The result: the President lost a state he should have been competitive in, purely because of Ayade’s greed and ego.

Ayade lost the 2023 Senate election to Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe even while he was sitting governor, an almost unheard-of defeat that proves his utter rejection by Cross River North voters.

Yet instead of accepting responsibility, he blames Governor Otu and Senator Godswill Akpabio for his own failure. That is classic deflection.

It’s not about Governor Otu or Akpabio’s influence. Ayade’s untrustworthiness stands on its own:

· He defrauded fellow aspirants.
· He stole from the President’s campaign.
· He actively worked against the President’s interest in his own state.
· He lost his own election and now scapegoats others.

Any President, looking at these facts, would conclude that Ayade is a liability, not an ally. The blackmailed attempts won’t change the record. Ayade has already been rejected by his people and rightly, by anyone who values loyalty and integrity in politics.

Ayade stop the blackmail against Governor Otu. He is in charge of Cross River State. He has achieved what you couldn’t achieve in 8 years, in less than 3 years .

Ayade’s albatross is no one else but himself.

Ekpenyong NSA . APC CHIEFTAIN and public affairs analyst in Cross River State