In a bold and ambitious move, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced its intention to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. The declaration, made by the party’s National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, underscores the ADC’s determination to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape through a meticulously planned, grassroots-driven strategy aimed at securing victory not only at the federal level but also in Lagos State, a key political stronghold. Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State, made this proclamation during a significant event in Lagos on Saturday, which also marked the formal defection of Hon. Moshood Salvador and members of the Conscience Forum of the Labour Party (LP) to the ADC. The gathering doubled as a celebration of the Conscience Forum’s 25th anniversary as a political group, adding symbolic weight to the occasion.
The event, held in Lagos, was attended by the Lagos State leadership of the ADC, as well as zonal and ward leaders of the Conscience Forum from across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). It was a vibrant display of political unity and ambition, as the ADC welcomed a significant influx of new members and laid out its vision for the future. Aregbesola’s address was the centerpiece of the event, as he passionately outlined the party’s roadmap to power and urged the defecting members to fully commit to the ADC’s mission of capturing both the presidency and the Lagos State government in 2027.
A Grassroots-Driven Strategy for Victory
At the heart of the ADC’s plan is a simple yet ambitious grassroots mobilization strategy, which Aregbesola described as “operation ten over ten.” The strategy revolves around each committed ADC member recruiting ten new members, with each of those ten recruits, in turn, bringing in ten more. This exponential growth model, if successfully implemented, could significantly expand the party’s membership base and influence across Nigeria. Aregbesola emphasized that replicating this formula nationwide would ensure the ADC’s dominance in the 2027 elections, positioning the party to produce Nigeria’s next president and secure control of Alausa, the seat of the Lagos State government.
“I am happy to be a part of this gathering. I am also happy to receive you into the ADC folds,” Aregbesola said, addressing the defecting members of the Conscience Forum. “We are the only ones that can make it difficult to take over wherever we are. If the Conscience Forum, good-looking people with highly cultured leadership, can organize this kind of event to make a declaration for the ADC and follow the line enunciated by the leader, surely, Alausa is a sure ticket for all of us.”
He continued, “With our resolve, it won’t be difficult at all to take over the seat of power. It’s a simple strategy of one getting ten, and each of the ten will equally get ten. It’s operation ten over ten. Once we are able to get this done, that’s the end of it. We will surely meet at the Aso Rock Villa and produce the next president of the country. Once again, I am happy to be here, and we must not relax our efforts to change Nigeria.”
Aregbesola’s confidence in the ADC’s strategy stems from the belief that a disciplined and committed membership base, combined with a clear organizational framework, can transform the party into a formidable political force. By leveraging the power of exponential growth, the ADC aims to build a vast network of supporters that can challenge the dominance of Nigeria’s major political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The Conscience Forum’s Defection: A Strategic Boost for the ADC
The defection of Hon. Moshood Salvador and the Conscience Forum to the ADC represents a significant coup for the party. Salvador, a prominent figure in Lagos politics, led his group’s transition from the Labour Party, citing internal crises within the LP as a key factor in their decision. In his remarks at the event, Salvador explained that the Labour Party’s weaknesses had become increasingly apparent, undermining its credibility as a viable political platform for the future. He argued that the ADC, backed by a broader coalition of opposition forces, offers a more promising alternative for achieving meaningful political change in Nigeria.
The Conscience Forum, which boasts a membership of over 400,000 in Lagos State alone, brings considerable organizational strength to the ADC. Salvador revealed that the group’s entire structure, including its local government and ward officers, would be fully integrated into the ADC. This move significantly bolsters the ADC’s presence in Lagos, a state that is not only Nigeria’s economic hub but also a critical battleground in national politics. The decision to announce the defection on the Conscience Forum’s 25th anniversary was deliberate, symbolizing a new chapter in the group’s political journey and its alignment with the ADC’s vision.
“The internal crisis bedeviling the Labour Party has exposed its weakness and proved it was not a party of the future,” Salvador said. “The ADC, backed by a broader coalition of opposition forces, represents a viable political alternative. We have decided to join the ADC on this significant occasion of our 25th anniversary because we believe in its vision and its potential to lead Nigeria into a new era.”
The integration of the Conscience Forum’s extensive network into the ADC is expected to enhance the party’s grassroots mobilization efforts, particularly in Lagos State. With its well-established structure and large membership base, the Forum provides the ADC with a ready-made platform to expand its influence and challenge the APC’s dominance in the state.
The ADC’s Rising Profile in Nigerian Politics
The ADC’s bold declaration comes at a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is undergoing significant shifts. The party has been steadily gaining traction as a credible alternative to the country’s dominant political parties. In July, the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement adopted the ADC as its political vehicle for the 2027 elections during an event at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. This endorsement marked a turning point for the ADC, positioning it as a unifying platform for opposition forces seeking to challenge the APC’s hold on power.
The coalition’s decision to rally behind the ADC reflects growing dissatisfaction with the status quo and a desire for a fresh political approach. By aligning with opposition groups and leveraging the organizational strength of defecting groups like the Conscience Forum, the ADC is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the 2027 elections. The party’s focus on grassroots mobilization, coupled with its inclusive approach to coalition-building, sets it apart from other opposition parties that have struggled to unite their ranks.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the ADC’s ambitions are clear, the road to 2027 is fraught with challenges. The APC, led by President Tinubu, remains a dominant force in Nigerian politics, with a strong organizational structure and significant resources at its disposal. Additionally, the PDP, despite its internal challenges, continues to command a loyal following in certain regions of the country. The ADC will need to navigate these dynamics carefully, building alliances and mobilizing support across Nigeria’s diverse regions to achieve its goals.
One of the ADC’s key strengths is its emphasis on grassroots engagement. The “operation ten over ten” strategy, while ambitious, is grounded in the principle of exponential growth, which has proven effective in political mobilization efforts around the world. By empowering individual members to recruit others, the ADC is fostering a sense of ownership and commitment among its supporters, which could translate into a strong voter turnout in 2027.
However, the success of this strategy will depend on several factors, including the party’s ability to maintain organizational discipline, communicate its message effectively, and address the concerns of ordinary Nigerians. Issues such as economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment are likely to dominate the 2027 election discourse, and the ADC will need to articulate a clear and compelling vision for addressing these challenges.
The defection of the Conscience Forum also presents both opportunities and challenges. While the group’s large membership base and organizational structure are significant assets, integrating such a large group into the ADC’s framework will require careful coordination to avoid internal divisions. Additionally, the ADC will need to ensure that its coalition-building efforts extend beyond Lagos to other key states, particularly in the North and Southeast, where political dynamics are more complex.
The Broader Context: Nigeria’s Political Landscape in 2025
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive. President Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023, has faced significant challenges, including economic difficulties and rising insecurity. While the APC has implemented several policy reforms, public discontent over issues such as inflation and unemployment has created an opening for opposition parties like the ADC to gain traction.
The Labour Party, which emerged as a significant force in the 2023 elections, has struggled to maintain its momentum due to internal crises. The defection of key figures like Salvador and the Conscience Forum highlights the LP’s vulnerabilities and underscores the ADC’s growing appeal as an alternative opposition platform. Other opposition parties, including the PDP, are also grappling with internal divisions, creating a fragmented opposition landscape that the ADC is seeking to capitalize on.
The ADC’s focus on coalition-building and grassroots mobilization aligns with broader trends in Nigerian politics, where voters are increasingly looking for alternatives to the traditional political establishment. By positioning itself as a party of change, the ADC is tapping into a growing desire for new leadership and innovative solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
A Vision for 2027
The ADC’s declaration to unseat President Tinubu in 2027 is more than just a political statement; it is a call to action for Nigerians seeking change. Aregbesola’s vision of producing the next president and securing Alausa reflects the party’s ambition to transform Nigeria’s political landscape. By leveraging the organizational strength of groups like the Conscience Forum and adopting a grassroots-driven strategy, the ADC is laying the groundwork for a competitive electoral campaign.
The success of the ADC’s strategy will depend on its ability to sustain momentum, build a broad-based coalition, and connect with voters across Nigeria’s diverse regions. While the challenges are significant, the party’s focus on grassroots mobilization and coalition-building positions it as a serious contender in the 2027 elections.
As Aregbesola concluded in his address, “We must not relax our efforts to change Nigeria.” For the ADC, the journey to 2027 has just begun, but with its bold vision and strategic approach, the party is poised to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s political future.
