Why we didn’t perform well in by-elections – ADC

By Paul Dada

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has  given its reason for failing to win a single legislative seat in the August 16 by-elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)  had  declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner in 12 of the 16 contested seats, with APGA taking 2, PDP 1 in Oyo, and NNPP 1 in Kano. The elections were held to fill seats vacated by deaths or resignations after the 2023 general elections.

But ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi, who was speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the elections came too soon after the party’s leadership transition and did not reflect its true political potential.

“We had just assumed leadership of the party when the by-elections were held. We didn’t even know most of the candidates. It’s unfair to judge the ADC by that result,” Abdullahi said.

He said that the ADC was not fully organised at the time of the by-election. He insisted that the party would be better prepared for future polls—especially the 2027 general elections.

“Our focus now is building a mass-based political movement that offers Nigerians a real alternative. When the time comes, voters will be able to ask themselves: Has the ruling party improved your life? If not, look to ADC.”

ADC also cited alleged irregularities in the election, including vote buying, voter intimidation, ballot box snatching, and BVAS failure, claiming the process was compromised by the ruling party, a claim the APC has denied.