Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has dismissed the emerging opposition coalition backing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections, branding it a power-hungry alliance lacking ideological foundation.
Speaking during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Abbas urged party leaders to take the challenge seriously and respond strategically.
“The opposition is attempting to replicate the APC’s historic 2013 merger, but without a shared vision, such a union is unlikely to succeed,” Abbas said.
He warned that the APC must avoid complacency, adding that the rise of the coalition, reportedly made up of former members of the PDP, APC, and Labour Party should serve as a wake-up call.
‘A Desperate Political Mix’
According to Abbas, the coalition’s unity is opportunistic, driven by ambition rather than principles. He argued that unlike the APC’s formation rooted in a common ideology, the new alliance lacks cohesion.
“Smaller parties like the Labour Party and NNPP are already weakening due to internal crises. The ADC is now reaching out to others like the SDP and PRP, desperately seeking relevance,” he noted.
He advised APC leaders to prioritize internal reconciliation and reward loyalty to prevent divisions within the party.
Call for Strategic Reforms
Abbas also proposed the formation of a high-level strategy committee within the APC to counter the coalition’s growing influence. He called for fairness in the party’s upcoming congresses and primaries, emphasizing the need to elevate youth and women into leadership roles.
“We can’t afford to be reactive. If we remain transparent and inclusive, the APC will retain the trust of the Nigerian people,” he said.
The Speaker praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, citing an increase in foreign reserves from $4 billion in 2023 to over $40 billion by July 2025. He also noted a marked drop in food inflation, crediting the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for recent economic gains.
APC’s Internal Stability Praised
Reflecting on the recent leadership change within the party, Abbas commended the smooth transition that followed the resignation of former National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and the election of Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
“This was a demonstration of the APC’s internal discipline and unity,” he said, adding that defections from opposition parties signal growing confidence in the APC’s governance.
Legislative Milestones
On the legislative front, Abbas revealed that the 10th House of Representatives has passed a record number of bills in two years, with 57 signed into law by President Tinubu.
He concluded by urging party members to focus on performance and inclusivity ahead of 2027.
“Our edge lies in delivery, discipline, and dialogue. If we stay united and performance-driven, no opposition alliance can defeat us,” Abbas declared
