Protest: ADC Not Prepared For Elections, Bwala Claims

A presidential aide, Daniel Bwala, has said that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is not adequately prepared for upcoming elections, pointing to internal disagreements and competing ambitions among its leaders.

Bwala made the assertion yesterday in a post on X, following a protest in Abuja led by prominent opposition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso under the ADC platform.

The protest drew supporters from various political groups and was aimed at highlighting concerns about Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), amid ongoing disputes within the party.

In his reaction, Bwala argued that the coalition lacks unity and a clear sense of direction. He maintained that the personal ambitions of its leaders have undermined its readiness for elections.

According to him, members of the opposition alliance are aware of their lack of preparedness, as many within the group are focused on pursuing presidential ambitions rather than building a cohesive structure.

He also accused the coalition of shifting attention away from internal organisation to external narratives, alleging that they are attempting to attract foreign involvement by suggesting that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party system.

Bwala added that foreign governments already have enough presence in the country to assess its political climate without such claims.

Bwala further criticised the composition of the alliance, describing it as a group lacking ideological unity and driven more by the desire for political control than by a shared vision for governance.

The protest on Wednesday, however, marked a significant move by opposition leaders seeking to position the ADC as a strong platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Participants called for greater transparency, adherence to due process, and stronger democratic institutions, especially in handling internal party matters.

Despite this, Bwala insisted that public demonstrations cannot replace the need for internal discipline and proper organization. He warned that without unity and a solid structure, the opposition may find it difficult to mount a credible challenge in future elections.