2027: ADC warns gov’ship candidates against violence, hate speech

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned its gubernatorial candidates against engaging in political violence, hate speech, and other forms of provocation as they prepare for the 2027 general elections. ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, revealed this during a meeting between the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and its gubernatorial candidates at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Abdullahi stated that the meeting provided a platform for Mark to directly address the candidates regarding the primary results, the importance of reconciliation, and the party's strategy for the 2027 elections.

Abdullahi emphasized that the party has set up a National Reconciliation Committee to address disputes arising from the governorship primaries and reunite aggrieved aspirants and their supporters. The committee's members will be announced soon. Mark also warned the candidates against allowing political competition to lead them into actions that could harm the party's image or threaten the electoral process.

He urged them to focus on campaigning on issues rather than resorting to ethnic or religious mobilization, intimidation, or personal attacks. The ADC party leader stressed that violence and hate speech are against its principles and that no form of violence or hate speech is acceptable within the party.

The ADC is actively preparing for the 2027 elections, which are expected to be highly competitive at the gubernatorial level across various states. The party aims to manage internal differences while building a nationwide campaign that could challenge established political parties. Abdullahi highlighted that the party expects its candidates to incorporate the ADC's national policy agenda into their campaigns, particularly its proposed intervention on fuel pricing and the cost of living, which includes reintroducing a form of fuel subsidy to alleviate the burden on Nigerians.

The ADC's stance on fuel subsidy is part of a broader political debate over the consequences of the removal of the petrol subsidy by the President Bola Tinubu administration. The party positions this issue as a distinguishing factor in its campaign, arguing that it will address the cost of living crisis faced by Nigerians. Abdullahi reassured candidates that no one has complained about the substitution of validly nominated candidates for the governorship positions, but the party has documentation of its submissions to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

If any changes are reported, the ADC will handle them administratively, maintaining a legal approach to resolve any issues. The party also warned that any violation of its rules by its members or candidates would result in disciplinary action, emphasizing that the party adheres to a legal and non-violent approach to governance.