Dare Babalola
A presidential aide, Daniel Bwala, has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition is not prepared for upcoming elections, citing internal divisions and conflicting ambitions among its leaders.
Bwala made the assertion on Thursday in a post on X, a day after prominent opposition figures, including David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, led a protest in Abuja under the ADC platform.
The protest, which drew supporters from different political blocs, was aimed at raising concerns over Nigeria’s democratic process and the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission amid ongoing disputes within the party.
Reacting to the development, Bwala argued that the opposition coalition lacks cohesion and clear direction, insisting that personal ambitions among its leaders have weakened its readiness.
“The opposition members under the umbrella of ADC know quite well that they are not ready for the election since all of them want to be president,” he said.
He further alleged that the group has shifted focus from internal organisation to external narratives, accusing them of attempting to draw foreign attention to Nigeria’s political space.
“They have now resorted to importing foreign interference into our elections by alleging one party state,” Bwala stated, adding that foreign governments already have sufficient presence in Nigeria to assess the situation independently.
The former aide also criticised the composition of the opposition alliance, describing it as lacking ideological coherence.
“Association of party-grabbing elements,” he added, suggesting that many within the coalition are more focused on political control than building a stable platform.
Wednesday’s protest marked a significant show of force by opposition leaders seeking to position the ADC as a viable platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Demonstrators called for greater transparency and adherence to due process, particularly in resolving internal party issues and strengthening democratic institutions.
However, Bwala maintained that such public demonstrations cannot substitute for internal discipline and preparation, warning that without unity and structure, the opposition may struggle to present a credible challenge in future elections.
