All eyes are on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) today as the party, freshly adopted by a coalition of opposition leaders, tests its strength in nationwide by-elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting polls in 16 constituencies across 12 states, including Edo Central and Anambra South senatorial districts, five House of Representatives seats, and several state assembly seats.
For the ADC, this is its first major test since opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Senator David Mark threw their weight behind it as the 2027 election vehicle.
The drama has already started. In Anambra, Peter Obi’s decision to campaign for the ADC candidate in Onitsha North 1 created confusion, as he remains a member of the Labour Party. The state LP chairman later claimed Obi acted because INEC sidelined LP candidates in the process.
In Kaduna, El-Rufai campaigned vigorously for ADC’s Alex Adamu, despite being a member of the SDP, raising questions about divided loyalties.
Security concerns, however, loom large. Gunmen in Anambra and bandits in Kaduna threaten voter turnout, with analysts warning that apathy could hand ruling parties an advantage.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed senior officers, mobile units, and tactical squads to guarantee safety and credibility in the elections.
Political watchers believe today’s outcome could reshape opposition politics ahead of 2027.
