By Favour Raphael
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Saturday officially inaugurated its Kwara State Secretariat amid bold declarations of a political “new dawn” and renewed vows to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, former Kwara State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, described the development as a major step in strengthening the ADC’s foothold in the state.
“This is the beginning of a new direction in our political experience,” Ahmed said. “Kwara will be different because ADC has come to stay and will drive the collective interest of Kwarans.”
He also decried rising insecurity in the state, warning that it threatens farming and economic stability.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the turnout at the event showed that Kwarans were ready for change.
“The question is no longer whether people want APC to continue, that question is settled,” he said. “We represent the only credible alternative. Kwara is ready for ADC, and Nigeria is ready for ADC.”
Abdullahi dismissed concerns about defections to the ruling party, saying most of the governors joining APC were “already unpopular with their people.”
On his part, the party’s National Secretary and former Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, accused the APC of intimidating opposition parties across the country.
“If APC is truly confident of its strength, it wouldn’t be hunting and harassing opponents everywhere,” he said. “By God’s grace, ADC will take over leadership in Nigeria and many states.”
Also speaking, former Kwara PDP Chairman, Rt. Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, announced his defection to ADC along with thousands of supporters from across the three senatorial districts, pledging to help the party take power in 2027.
Similarly, ex-House of Representatives member, Hon. Abubakar Amuda Kannike, said ADC would usher in a new era of inclusive and empathetic governance.
“We believe in collective leadership,” he said. “What we are offering is governance with empathy, one that secures lives, promotes welfare, and drives economic growth.”
The event drew large crowds of supporters and party leaders, signaling ADC’s growing presence in Kwara politics as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
