ADC by-election loss blamed on party transition, violence, and vote buying. ADC says it shouldn’t be judged by August 16 polls outcome
ADC By-Election Loss has sparked debate following the party’s poor performance in the August 16 polls, but leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) say the results do not reflect the true strength or future potential of the party.
Also read: APC By-Election Victory Sparks ADC Backlash Claims
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi attributed the party’s failure to win any seat in the 16 by-elections to timing issues, lack of preparation, and internal transition challenges.
“These elections happened less than a month after we came into the party,” Abdullahi explained. “Most of the candidates weren’t familiar to us.
We’re still in the process of establishing leadership and structure.
That by-election came too early in our transition, and we shouldn’t be judged by that outcome.”
The ADC by-election loss came as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) swept 12 of the 16 available seats across nine states.
APGA secured two seats in Anambra, while PDP and NNPP claimed one seat each in Oyo and Kano respectively.
In its official statement, the ADC also condemned the electoral process, citing vote buying, ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, violence, and failure of the BVAS system as critical factors that tainted the integrity of the elections.
The party described the environment as “hostile and compromised”, alleging that the APC manipulated the process using state-backed violence and financial inducements.
Despite the setback, Abdullahi expressed confidence in the ADC’s future, saying the party is now focused on organizing, restructuring, and preparing for upcoming electoral contests. “We will be ready for other elections.
That’s when people should judge us,” he asserted.
Observers say the ADC by-election loss underscores the broader struggles of Nigeria’s smaller parties in competing against dominant forces like the APC and PDP.
Also read: ADC Coalition 2027 Elections: Kaduna Insists North Will Rally
However, with renewed coalition backing and strategic reforms, the ADC maintains that it remains a viable political force ahead of 2027.
