Leaders and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have renewed calls for unity and collective action ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that internal divisions within the opposition are weakening efforts to present a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The call was made in Abuja on Tuesday during the public presentation of The Loyalist, a book authored by the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi.
The event, which drew a large gathering of political heavyweights, became a rallying point for opposition figures seeking to reposition the ADC as a unifying platform for national renewal.
Among those in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President David Mark; former governors Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, Peter Obi, Liyel Imoke and Abdulfatah Ahmed; as well as former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, and his former deputy, Emeka Ihedioha.
Also present were former APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun; former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Tayo Akpata; and other prominent political leaders.
Speaking after the book presentation, Abdullahi warned that while Nigerians were eager for change, the political class had not demonstrated the level of unity required to deliver it.
“For 2027, Nigerians are ready. But I don’t think we are ready. We are not coming together enough. We are not holding hands enough,” he said.
According to him, visible divisions among opposition leaders were eroding public confidence and projecting competition rather than cooperation.
“Nigerians look at us and see different enclaves, different entities. They see competition rather than cooperation,” Abdullahi added.
He acknowledged facing criticism for his blunt remarks but insisted that Nigeria’s future demanded honesty and sacrifice.
“I know I am talking myself into trouble again, but I will keep saying this because Nigeria has no substitute. This country has no alternative,” he said.
Urging political leaders to rise above factional interests, Abdullahi said his interactions with ordinary Nigerians showed rising expectations for unity among opposition figures.
“Everywhere I go, Nigerians tell us, ‘You people must not fail.’ That is the message,” he noted.
He appealed to party members and supporters to channel their passion into strengthening the ADC as a single platform rather than fueling internal rivalries.
“Let our followers direct their energy into the ADC. Let them know there is only one party and that our mission is bigger than any individual ambition,” he said.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was the Special Guest of Honour, said The Loyalist challenges Nigerians to rethink the meaning of loyalty in public life.
He described the book as a timely intervention that interrogates loyalty to country, institutions and conscience, especially in an era of rapid political change.
“I want to commend the author for gifting us a work that dares to question loyalties, illuminate conscience and broaden our public imagination,” Atiku said.
He revealed that loyalty had come at great personal cost in his political journey, including exile and threats to his life, warning that loyalty should never become a tool for exclusion.
“Loyalty should strengthen the common goal, not narrow the circle of belonging,” he said.
ADC Secretary and former Osun State Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, dismissed claims that recent defections to the APC reflected its growing dominance.
He argued that electoral outcomes are determined by voters, not governors, stressing the need for credible elections.
“Governors do not win elections; the people do. What we need is a free and fair electoral process,” Aregbesola said.
ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, Mr David Mark, described the task of rescuing Nigeria as a collective mission and praised Abdullahi’s patriotism and courage.
He also clarified misconceptions surrounding the Doctrine of Necessity that enabled Dr Goodluck Jonathan to assume office as Acting President, insisting the decision was solely that of the Senate.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said the book exposes the hidden realities and compromises of politics, urging leaders to abandon what he called the “pleasant fiction” surrounding power and values.
Fayemi noted that The Loyalist should be read beyond personal political relationships, describing it as a broader reflection on power, mentorship, loyalty and ambition in Nigeria’s political space.
Reviewer of the book, Mr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, described it as a rare and compelling account of power, loyalty and courage, urging Nigerians to reflect deeply on its lessons as the country approaches another election cycle.