ADC dismisses defections as 2027 race looms, vows to stick to ballot route

An African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Dr. Ibrahim Mani, has said the wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) poses no threat to the party’s plans ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Trust TV’s Daily Politics on Tuesday, Mani said election outcomes are determined by voters, not by the size of political parties nor by high-profile defections.

He said: “Unless you assume that when a governor defects the entire state automatically moves with him, there is nothing to fear. People know what they want. Nigerians have been failed at all levels, and they will act with their ballots.”

He maintained that the ADC remains committed to democratic means of power change and does not support any unconstitutional takeover of government.

“We strongly believe the only way to change any government in this country is through the ballot. No party that believes in Nigeria’s democratic progress should be silent in the face of rumours of coups or attempts to derail the constitutional order,” he said.

Mani warned against romanticising military rule, recalling the disruptions and setbacks that followed previous coups and noting that most Nigerians under 35 have never lived through a military takeover.

On speculations of internal cracks or possible defections within the ADC, Mani dismissed the claims, saying the party is focused on building a broad-based mass movement.

“The defections going on don’t solve insecurity, don’t reduce poverty, don’t put food on the table, and don’t improve human development. That is why we are not moved. The suffering in the country is at its worst and the people will decide,” he added.