Nigeria’s Elections Are Bought, Not Won — ADC’s Bolaji Abdullahi

Your party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC)  described the Anambra election as “cash-and-carry.” What proof supports this, and what is the ADC’s plan to curb monetisation ahead of 2027?

It wasn’t hidden; everything played out in broad daylight. Observers, journalists, and voters witnessed the vote-buying as it happened. Supporters of the ruling party openly bought votes, exploiting the economic hardship gripping many citizens.

Electioneering is quickly losing its meaning in Nigeria. If what happened in Anambra is a preview of 2027, then the country is in trouble. Nothing has changed ,  and that should worry every Nigerian.

In light of these claims, how will the ADC work to prevent such abuses in upcoming elections?

We’ve taken note of what happened, and this will be central to our discussions with INEC and civil society organisations. There must be firm assurances on credible polls; otherwise, if money keeps deciding outcomes, elections become meaningless.

Nigeria’s youth are frustrated by politics dominated by the same old faces. How does ADC plan to genuinely integrate youth, not just as mobilisers, but as decision-makers?

The ADC is one of the few parties with a constitution reserving 40 per cent of positions for youth and women. In our National Working Committee, women hold strategic offices like Deputy National Secretary and Deputy National Chairman, while young people under 35 occupy key roles. This is a deliberate effort to cultivate the next generation of leaders rather than recycle the old.

As a party that champions good governance, what concrete steps will the ADC take to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity beyond calls for state policing?

State policing cannot be dismissed when it has never even been tried. All options must be considered. The scale of killings across Nigeria today is alarming.

But insecurity isn’t just in the forests , there is also the banditry in government, seen in the looting of public funds. To address this, the ADC is set to unveil a Code of Ethics for all elected and appointed officials. Signatories will commit to uphold integrity and agree to face prosecution for any unethical conduct. The goal is to build a party anchored in ethics and accountability, leading a genuine political revolution.

The American government recently alleged that Christians are mostly victims of insecurity in Nigeria. Why hasn’t the ADC responded?

The party did respond. The statement clarified that such comments indict not just the government but the entire nation.

Nigeria’s best response should be to improve security and protect all citizens regardless of tribe or religion. The remark stemmed from failures in governance.

However, ADC made it clear that while assistance from friendly nations is welcome, foreign military boots on Nigerian soil are not acceptable.

Is Peter Obi still a member of the ADC?

Yes. He has not indicated otherwise. He was granted leave until after the Anambra election, and now that the polls are over, he is expected to take the necessary steps.

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There are claims that the ADC is being funded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and that Peter Obi might be seeking an automatic presidential ticket in 2027. What is your response?

The allegation is entirely false. ADC is not funded by any individual. The party’s constitution prohibits godfathers and moneybags from taking control.

Regarding automatic tickets, ADC does not operate that way. All candidates must emerge through a transparent and competitive process. No one is handpicked.

Critics claim the ADC recycles old political figures, like former Senate President David Mark, who they say made little impact while in office. How do you respond?

Such claims are unfair and disrespectful to individuals who have made sacrifices.

At a critical point in Nigeria’s history, David Mark led the Senate that introduced the Doctrine of Necessity, enabling President Goodluck Jonathan to assume office. It was a defining national moment, and history should not be erased.

But Nigerians are tired of the same old faces. How do you convince them that ADC represents genuine change?

A new political class cannot be manufactured overnight or imported from Cotonou or Lomé. What can be changed is the culture of politics.

ADC is committed to service, ethics, and accountability. Nigerians have lost trust in politicians, and rightly so. But the party intends to rebuild that trust through a new approach.

If ADC fails, Nigerians should take back power. The goal is to strengthen institutions so that power truly resides with the people.

There were allegations that ADC’s recent Ekiti primaries were compromised by officials who favoured a candidate. What is the party doing about it?

Anyone who feels aggrieved is free to petition the Appeal Committee. If the allegations are confirmed, the National Working Committee will act accordingly.

ADC will not tolerate fraud. Any official who compromises the process will face consequences.

What age group is the ADC targeting for its 2027 presidential candidate?

The party cannot impose rules that violate the constitution. Every qualified Nigerian has the right to contest. Due process will be followed when the time comes.

So, it is going to be an open contest without restrictions on whether old or young, provided such aspirants meet the requirements as stipulated by the law of the land .

Considering your party’s performance in Anambra, are you worried about 2027?

There is no cause for worry. No party aside from APGA has consistently won in Anambra. Even APC and PDP struggle there.

ADC fully supported its candidate, but that outcome does not define the party’s prospects in 2027. Everyone saw what happened there. Our focus now is on building a stronger national structure and a more disciplined political culture that will position us for victory in future elections.