The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has described the adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by Nigeria’s opposition coalition as a significant development that halts the country’s “alarming drift towards a one-party state.”
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, deputy president general, and Thompson Ohia, national spokesman, Ohanaeze said the coalition’s move puts the federal government under pressure to confront Nigeria’s mounting economic and security challenges.
“The recent adoption of the ADC by leaders of Nigeria’s opposition is not merely a political manoeuvre; it is a wake-up call for the Tinubu administration to address the worsening economic hardship, deepening poverty, and lingering insecurity engulfing the nation,” the group said.
Ohanaeze claimed the coalition has “retired” political “crisis merchants” allegedly hired to destabilise opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
“It has rendered those individuals obsolete, as their benefactors grow increasingly anxious about their political futures,” the statement added.
The group criticised what it called the federal government’s “sleeping on the bicycle” posture, urging President Bola Tinubu to discard indifference and urgently implement policies that improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“President Tinubu is now firmly on notice. It is imperative he reconsiders whether the unpopular policies of his government have had any positive impact on citizens,” the group said.
Ohanaeze commended the performances of ministers Nyesom Wike and David Umahi in the Federal Capital Territory and road infrastructure sectors, respectively, but said Tinubu must now review his cabinet ahead of August 2025, which will mark two years since their appointment.
“It is time to prioritise policies shaped by credible economists and technocrats, not political loyalists.
“This is vital for restoring public confidence and salvaging the integrity of this administration,” the statement read.
The group said the ADC’s growing strength should be seen as an “unintended blessing” for Tinubu, offering him the chance to recalibrate and reconnect with Nigerians.
However, it also warned that many ADC coalition leaders were complicit in the hardship inflicted on Nigerians under previous APC-led administrations.
“Reports indicate that 80% of ADC coalition leaders are individuals of questionable character, primarily interested in state capture,” it said.
Ohanaeze also raised concerns over alleged political manoeuvrings ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that some northern governors may defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ADC amid mounting pressure from political leaders and traditional rulers.
“There are disturbing signs that several state governors may betray President Tinubu’s re-election bid, especially if he attempts to replace Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
“The time for decisive action is now. The current trajectory portends dire consequences should the president fail to urgently recalibrate his strategies,” the group claimed.
