Leaders and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have renewed calls for unity and collective action ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that internal divisions within the opposition are weakening the effort to present a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The appeal was made in Abuja on Tuesday during the public presentation of The Loyalist, a book authored by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi.

The event drew a cross-section of political heavyweights and became a rallying point for opposition figures seeking to reposition the ADC as a unifying platform.

Among those in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former governors Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, Peter Obi, Lyel Imoke, and Abdulfatah Ahmed, as well as former Speaker of the House of Representatives and his deputy, Aminu Tambuwal and Emeka Ihedioha.

Also present were former APC National Chairman John Oyegun, former NBA President Tayo Akpata, and other political leaders.

Speaking after the formal presentation, Abdullahi warned that while Nigerians were ready for change, the political class had not yet demonstrated the unity required to deliver it.

“For 2027, Nigerians are ready. But I don’t think we are ready. We are not coming together enough. We are not holding hands enough. Nigerians look at us; they see different enclaves and different entities. They see competition rather than cooperation.”

He said the visible divisions among opposition actors were eroding public confidence and weakening the prospects of collective success. Abdullahi admitted his blunt comments had drawn backlash online but insisted he would not be silenced.

“I know I am talking myself into trouble again. I have been under fire in the last three days by some of the passionate supporters on Twitter. But I will keep saying this, because Nigeria, this country, has no substitute, has no alternative.”

Describing Nigeria as irreplaceable, he urged political leaders to rise above factional rivalries and focus on national renewal, citing personal encounters with ordinary citizens as evidence of growing public expectations.

“I beg you, our leaders, Nigerians are waiting, they know you, what they are saying is ‘You people must not fail.’ That’s what I get everywhere I have gone. I’m sure you also get it.”

According to him, such encounters reflect the hope many Nigerians have invested in emerging coalitions and the ADC platform, appealing to party members to direct their energy toward unity rather than internal rivalry.

“I am making this appeal, please, come together more. Let our followers direct their passion into the ADC. Let them know there is only one party, and our mission is bigger than anything, any individual or individual ambition. This is what I’m begging.”

Understanding the need for cohesion within the party, he stressed the significance of the book launch to the large gathering of members, noting that even if the event achieved nothing beyond fostering unity, it would still be worthwhile.

“So it is my hope that if this is the only thing that this gathering this afternoon is able to achieve, Alhamdulillah.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Special Guest of Honour, said the book challenges Nigerians to rethink loyalty in public life.

Noting that loyalty in politics differs from the rigid obedience demanded in military service, he said, “I want to commend the author for gifting us a work that dares to question loyalties, illuminate conscience, and broaden our public imagination.

“So I ask, why does this book matter to all of us? The Loyalist invites us to examine loyalty, to country, community, institutions, and to our own moral compass vis-à-vis personal loyalty, especially in a time of rapid change and competing narratives.”

Atiku disclosed that loyalty had come at great personal cost, stressing, “Many of us here, particularly Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, and myself have suffered because of loyalty. I have personally faced exile as a result of loyalty. I have survived assassination attempts as a result of loyalty.”

He warned that loyalty must never become a tool of exclusion: “Loyalty should strengthen the common goal, not narrow the circle of belonging, he noted.”

ADC Secretary and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola dismissed claims that defections to the APC signalled its growing dominance.

“Something is going on that is worrisome… The fact that certain governors are defecting to the APC shows that our unity is weakened. I laugh because recent statistics in Nigeria, based on the last election, do not support this belief.”

Arguing that governors do not determine electoral outcomes, he said, “The results of these two zones clearly show that governors do not win elections, the people do. What we require from the government in charge of the election is a commitment to a free and fair process.”

ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark, described the mission to rescue Nigeria as collective and praised Abdullahi’s patriotism. Nigeria is collective. Bolaji is a straightforward person; he is a committed Nigerian, very patriotic,” he said, while also clearing misconceptions surrounding the Doctrine of Necessity that enabled Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to assume office as Acting President after the crisis that followed the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

According to him, the decision was taken solely by the Senate under his leadership and had no connection whatsoever to any interests or influence from Kwara State.

“The doctrine of necessity is the sole responsibility of the Senate and has nothing to do with Kwara State or anyone from Kwara State,” he affirmed.

Former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, said the book exposes the hidden realities and compromises of politics and urged leaders to abandon what he called “pleasant fiction” about power and values.

Fayemi stressed that the book should not be read merely as an exposé of Abdullahi’s relationship with former Senate President Bukola Saraki, but as a broader reflection on power, mentorship, loyalty, and ambition.

He said the work offers hope for a better Nigeria, noting that “Abdullahi’s political vision reflects a belief that ‘another Nigeria is possible.

“For anyone interested in Nigeria, its politics, and the myths around godfatherism and power, this book recommends itself”.

Reviewer of the book, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, described it as a rare and compelling account of power, loyalty, and courage in Nigeria’s political life, urging Nigerians to reflect deeply on its lessons. (The Nation)

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