Dare Babalola
A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has criticised a recent factional convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the gathering as disorganised, chaotic, and lacking credibility.
In a Facebook post on Saturday morning, Fani-Kayode painted a scathing picture of the event, alleging that it reflected deep internal disarray within the party and questioning its readiness to compete in the 2027 general elections.
He wrote, “I watched a faction of the ADC conducting what they described as their party Convention a few days ago & it was pitiful.”
He went on to describe what he claimed to be poor conditions at the venue, stating that the hall was overcrowded and lacked basic facilities.
According to him, “I saw an overcrowded hall filled with hot, sweaty men & women. They wore orange caps & were using pamphlets & brochures to fan themselves because the building had no functional air-conditioning system.”
Fani-Kayode further alleged that tensions escalated during the event, with participants engaging in heated arguments and physical altercations. He recounted an incident involving an elderly party figure who mistakenly referenced another political party during his speech.
“One of their more elderly leaders got on the stage, took the microphone and screamed ‘APC’ after which he suddenly remembered that he had left APC years earlier & that he was actually in an ADC Convention!” he wrote.
The former minister described the moment as embarrassing for the individual involved, adding that the situation briefly stunned the audience.
“Pin drop silence hit the crowd, one man shouted that the embattled elder should ask God for forgiveness,” he stated, while also noting, “I actually felt sorry for the elder because anyone can make a mistake.”
He also criticised another speaker at the event, quoting him as saying, “even if we field a corpse we will defeat Tinubu in 2027.”
Fani-Kayode dismissed the remark as unrealistic and indicative of what he termed misplaced confidence.
Throughout his commentary, Fani-Kayode repeatedly questioned the seriousness of the gathering, describing it as lacking coordination and discipline. He characterised attendees as divided and struggling to present a unified front.
In a direct comparison, he expressed confidence in the electoral prospects of President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the opposition, particularly the ADC faction he referenced, poses no significant threat.
“If that is the best they can do then President Tinubu has already won the 2027 election. By 12.00 noon it will be over,” he said.
Fani-Kayode also echoed a previous remark attributed to the president, describing the gathering as a “street Convention,” while adding his own criticism of the event’s organisation and participants.
He concluded with a dismissive assessment of the party’s future, stating, “Bottom line? The ADC ain’t going nowhere!”
