Date: March 20, 2026 l By Mis Stella, Dalena Reporters
A prominent Nigerian columnist, Azu Ishiekwene, has delivered a scathing assessment of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that the party’s biggest obstacle is not the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but its own internal failures and power struggles.
In his analysis, Ishiekwene argued that the ADC has failed to position itself as a credible opposition force, instead becoming a platform dominated by “aggrieved politicians” primarily focused on personal ambitions rather than building a sustainable political structure.
He noted that the party is largely composed of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), many of whom are driven by desperation to regain political relevance. This, he said, has created a fragile coalition lacking ideological clarity and long-term vision.
According to Ishiekwene, internal conflicts within the ADC—particularly over leadership positions and presidential ambitions—have overshadowed efforts to strengthen the party. He pointed to ongoing disputes among key political figures, arguing that more energy is being spent on securing tickets than on building grassroots support or defining policy direction.
The analyst further dismissed claims by the ADC that the APC is deliberately undermining opposition parties, suggesting instead that the ADC’s structural weaknesses and lack of organization are largely self-inflicted. He warned that if the party continues on its current trajectory, it risks collapsing even before it can effectively challenge the ruling party.
Ishiekwene also highlighted a broader issue within Nigeria’s political landscape, where parties often function as temporary vehicles for power rather than enduring institutions. He described a culture of frequent defections and opportunism, which he believes has eroded the credibility of opposition politics in the country.
Despite his criticism of the ADC, he suggested that the APC itself may eventually face internal decline, as history shows that dominant ruling parties often weaken from within over time. However, he emphasized that such a shift is unlikely to be driven by the current opposition, given its present state of disarray.
The analysis comes amid increasing political realignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with opposition parties struggling to form a united and effective front against the ruling government.
As political tensions build, Ishiekwene’s critique raises a critical question for Nigeria’s democracy: can the opposition overcome its internal divisions—or will it continue to hand victory to the ruling party without a fight?