Jigawa State Governor’s aide on New Media, Comrade Muhammad Garba, has publicly criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for its underwhelming performance in the just-concluded Osun State governorship election, where the party garnered only 17,180 votes. The remarks came after Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party secured re-election for a second term, defeating all other candidates in the poll held on July 14, 2024. Garba made the statement on Sunday through a post on his official Facebook page, expressing disappointment over the ADC’s inability to make a significant impact in the electoral contest.
In his social media update, Garba highlighted the stark contrast between the ADC’s minimal vote count and the overwhelming support enjoyed by Governor Adeleke, whose victory was confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He noted that the low tally reflected a lack of effective campaign strategy, poor voter mobilisation, and insufficient grassroots engagement by the opposition party. “17,180 votes is not just a number—it’s a clear signal that the ADC failed to connect with the people of Osun,” Garba wrote, urging the party leadership to reassess its political approach.
The Osun election, which drew national attention due to its high stakes and intense competition, saw several parties fielding candidates, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Accord Party. Despite the APC’s strong presence in the state, it was Adeleke’s Accord Party that emerged victorious, winning with a substantial margin. Garba’s critique comes amid growing scrutiny of opposition parties’ ability to challenge dominant forces in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Garba further emphasized that political success in Nigeria today requires more than just slogans and rallies—it demands strategic planning, credible messaging, and genuine engagement with voters. He called on the ADC to learn from this experience and invest in building stronger structures, particularly in areas like digital outreach, youth mobilisation, and policy communication. “If you cannot win in Osun, how do you plan to win anywhere else?” he asked, challenging the party to take responsibility for its shortcomings.
His comments have sparked reactions across social media platforms, with some supporters applauding his candid assessment while others argue that political parties must be given time to grow. Nonetheless, Garba’s message underscores a broader concern within Nigeria’s political space: the need for opposition parties to become more competitive and relevant. As the country prepares for future elections, including the 2027 general elections, the performance of parties like the ADC will be closely watched as indicators of democratic maturity and political dynamism.
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