The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that the office of the President is not a family inheritance, but a mandate that must be earned through performance and public trust.
The ADC was responding to a recent remark by the new APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who claimed that there will be no open seat in Aso Rock come 2027.
This was contained in a statement on Tuesday signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
According to the statement, the ADC described the statement as arrogant and undemocratic, saying it disrespects the Nigerian people and their right to choose their leaders.
“The APC Chairman’s recent declaration of “no vacancy in Aso Rock” is presumptuous and disrespectful of Nigerian people, who are tired of hunger, insecurity, joblessness, and unfulfilled promises, and therefore cannot wait to reclaim their future at the ballot box.
“We know the APC is scared and would rather avoid facing voters on election day.
“ The very fact of periodic elections means that every incumbent must renew its mandate. Therefore, regardless of what APC thinks, there will be vacancy at the Presidential Villa in 2027.
“President Tinubu must re-apply to the Nigerian people, and he must show Nigerians why they should allow him to continue on the job, despite his ruinous policies that have made life miserable for the majority,” the statement read in part.
The ADC listed key areas where it said the APC government has failed, including food prices, insecurity, poor electricity supply, and rising poverty.
It also accused the ruling party of praising itself while ordinary citizens continue to suffer.
“To say there’s no vacancy two years before an election is like telling Nigerians their votes don’t matter. It’s an insult to struggling parents, jobless graduates, and business owners who are suffering through no fault of theirs. Come 2027, the APC must reapply to lead this country, they don’t get to score themselves,” the statement said.