The Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has publicly called on former governor Nasir El-Rufai to dump the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and officially join forces with the ADC-led coalition aimed at building a formidable opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to reporters in Kaduna on Sunday, Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (Northwest) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and now a key ADC chieftain, emphasized the urgency of consolidating the opposition under one platform.
“ADC has its doors open. Anyone is welcome to join the party. Every citizen of Kaduna is free to join us. Just about three months ago, 10,000 members joined the party. A month ago, about 5,000 New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members also joined,” Lukman said.
“El-Rufai is not a member of ADC in Kaduna State, but he is in the leadership of the coalition, and he is an important stakeholder. I’m appealing to him. We must not delay any action that will unite our people. We can’t afford where SDP may create problems where the takeoff of ADC as a party is weakened.”
Lukman also disclosed that online registration into the ADC is currently ongoing nationwide, and encouraged more Nigerians to join the platform.
“We want to see them fix their issues and come with us to build this party. A situation where leaders of a coalition appear to be divided at the state level is not healthy,” he warned.
He reiterated that the national leadership of the ADC had reached consensus on the direction of the coalition and that Kaduna must not lag behind.
“ADC has agreed at the national level. As far as Kaduna is concerned, we should see the bigger picture and come together. I want us to make all the sacrifices required. Whatever is necessary to make ADC a strong contender and win the 2027 general election.”
Lukman revealed that the idea behind the coalition emerged about 18 months ago out of fear that Nigeria could slide into a one-party state, with the ruling APC dominating unchallenged.
“That informed the reason some of us took the initiative to approach many of the leading politicians in the country and discuss with them and persuade them to agree to work together,” he said.
“In doing that, we were very clear that without working together, they will not succeed. Nobody will succeed in defeating the APC, whether at the presidential level or at the state level. In order for them to work together, the first thing we emphasised is no discussion about the ambition of anybody.”
