The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has explained its poor showing in the just-concluded Osun State governorship election, attributing it to its decision to collaborate with the Accord Party, which ultimately won the poll. ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made this disclosure during an interview on Trust TV, stating that the alliance significantly affected the party’s vote count. He emphasized that voters who supported ADC were likely drawn to the Accord Party’s candidate, reducing the number of votes ADC received independently.
Abdullahi noted that while the collaboration was intended to consolidate opposition votes and challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), it backfired in terms of electoral visibility for ADC. The party, which fielded its own candidate, did not secure a significant share of the votes despite active campaign efforts across the state. According to official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Accord Party’s candidate emerged victorious, while ADC’s candidate trailed behind with a minimal percentage.
The ADC leader acknowledged that the party had engaged in strategic discussions with other opposition groups before the election, hoping to present a united front against the APC. However, he admitted that the decision to align with the Accord Party may have diluted ADC’s brand and voter base. “We wanted to ensure a strong opposition, but the outcome shows that our strategy didn’t translate into electoral gains for us,” Abdullahi said.
He further stated that the party is reviewing its internal processes and strategies ahead of future elections. ADC leadership plans to engage more directly with grassroots supporters and strengthen its organizational structure to improve performance in subsequent polls. Despite the setback, Abdullahi expressed confidence that ADC remains a relevant political force in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
The Osun State governorship election held on July 14, 2024, attracted widespread attention due to the intense competition among major parties. While the Accord Party emerged as the winner, the APC and other parties also contested the race. ADC’s participation, though limited in impact, underscored its continued presence in state politics.
Looking ahead, the ADC will focus on rebuilding its support base and refining its electoral approach. The party aims to leverage lessons from the Osun election to enhance its competitiveness in upcoming state and national contests. As Nigeria continues to witness dynamic shifts in political alliances, ADC’s experience highlights the complexities of coalition-building in a multi-party democracy.
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