The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has defended the party against criticisms surrounding the political backgrounds of some of its leading presidential aspirants, insisting that politicians should not be judged solely by the parties they previously belonged to.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise Prime Time, Abdullahi responded to concerns that some prominent figures associated with the ADC are products of the same political establishment many Nigerians accuse of contributing to the country’s challenges.
The debate has intensified in recent weeks following increased attention on politicians such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, both of whom have extensive political histories across major parties in Nigeria.
Critics have questioned whether the ADC can genuinely present itself as a fresh political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections while accommodating politicians who previously held influential positions in rival political platforms.
However, Abdullahi rejected the criticism, arguing that Nigeria’s political environment has evolved in such a way that many politicians have, at different times, belonged to multiple parties.
According to him, “If we profile people only by parties they belonged to before now, nobody would be left in politics.”
He further explained that many political actors in the country have moved across parties at different stages of their careers due to shifting alliances, ideological changes, and evolving national realities.
Abdullahi stated, “The issue is not where people are coming from. The issue is what kind of political culture and institutional values we want to build going forward.”
He explained that focusing exclusively on past affiliations ignores broader issues concerning political institutions, governance systems, and accountability mechanisms that parties must establish.
Abdullahi maintained that the ADC is more concerned about the values and commitments of its members than their former political platforms. He stressed that the party is intentionally building structures capable of enforcing discipline, transparency, and adherence to democratic principles.
According to him, “What is important is whether there are systems in place that can hold everyone accountable regardless of who they are or where they are coming from.”
The ADC spokesman also emphasized that all aspirants and major political figures joining the party were subjected to internal screening processes designed to ensure alignment with the party’s manifesto and ethical standards.
He described the process as a significant departure from the culture within many Nigerian political parties, where politicians are often admitted without scrutiny or ideological commitments.
According to Abdullahi, “Every aspirant that comes into this party must subscribe to the principles and manifesto of the ADC. That is something we are taking seriously.”
Abdullahi said the ADC leadership is determined to create a platform where accountability and institutional discipline take priority over political influence or personal status.
According to him, every aspirant who seeks to contest under the party must commit to the party’s principles and agree to operate within its internal regulations.
He argued that this approach would help the ADC avoid some of the crises that have affected other political parties over the years.