Stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition in Kaduna State have issued a passionate call for protection from intolerance and political manipulation, urging the party’s national leadership under Senator David Mark to safeguard internal democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

At a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, July 14, coalition leaders comprising members from the APC, PDP, LP, and the ADC declared their commitment to creating a political environment defined by inclusion and democratic values.

Key ADC leaders at the event included Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, Mr Patrick Didam, and Alhaji Ibrahim Suleiman. They were supported by prominent political figures such as Senator Nenadi Usman, the Labour Party’s National Chairman, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, and Alhaji Shuaibu Idris Mikati, who all endorsed the statement through their representatives.

“As stakeholders in Kaduna State, we appeal to the national leadership for protection to avoid another political disappointment. We reject lawlessness, imposition, and discrimination,” they said in a joint statement.

Godfather Politics Rejected and Push for New Political Culture

The forum warned that any attempt to reduce the ADC into a godfather-driven structure would derail efforts to build a credible alternative.

“The Coalition and ADC must not operate in a mode where one leader monopolises decision-making, imposes delegates, or handpicks candidates,” the statement read.

They stressed the importance of allowing the majority opinion to shape party decisions, encouraging openness and freedom of expression in internal debates.

Emphasising the need for a change in political culture, the stakeholders urged aspiring members across Kaduna’s 23 LGAs to register when the party opens its books.

“Our vision is to build a political platform based on equal opportunity, mutual respect, and unity,” they added.

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Calling for a shift away from past political disappointments, they concluded: “We are committed to rescuing Nigerian democracy and producing leaders who serve selflessly and meet public expectations.”

The Presidency has dismissed recent speculation about a potential coalition between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party’s Peter Obi, declaring the move to be no threat to President Bola Tinubu’s chances of re-election in 2027.

Speaking during a live interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Thursday, July 10, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, downplayed the reported merger talks between the two opposition leaders.

He insisted that even if the pair joined forces, they still would not be able to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“They are jumping the gun. It’s not yet time for politicking as they are doing,” Onanuga said, warning that the current discussions are premature.

Onanuga drew a comparison between the present situation and the APC’s own formation over a decade ago, stating that the coalition that gave birth to the ruling party in 2013 was much more deliberate and strategic than what the opposition is now attempting.

“The alliance or merger we had in 2013 was not like these people are making it look. It didn’t give much distraction to the government in power.

“But the way they are doing it now is as if INEC has blown the whistle for party politics to start — but it’s not so,” he explained.

‘They’re No Match for Tinubu’

While acknowledging the constitutional right of opposition figures to form alliances, he remained adamant that any Atiku-Obi merger would be inconsequential at the polls.

“This is a free country, and people can come together to form all kinds of alliances.

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“But as far as the APC is concerned, we are not seeing the coalition as any threat,” Onanuga said.

He further declared: “Even if you merge Peter Obi and Atiku together, there is no way the two of them can beat a Bola Tinubu and Shettima ticket; it is not going to be possible.”

The remarks come amid increasing speculation about opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as both Atiku and Obi remain vocal critics of the Tinubu administration and have not ruled out another run for the presidency.

Though neither Atiku nor Obi has officially confirmed a joint ticket, political observers believe the idea is gaining traction among opposition supporters seeking to unseat the APC.

However, with the ruling party signalling confidence and dismissing their efforts as premature, the stage appears set for a contentious build-up to 2027.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on lawmakers to take bold steps towards reserving special seats for women in Parliament, saying it would help deepen democracy and promote national development.

Speaking through Hon. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara, Chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs, at the 2025 NASS Open Week in Abuja, Mrs Tinubu lamented the persistent underrepresentation of women in governance despite women comprising nearly half of Nigeria’s population.

“This is not just a question of fairness; it is a matter of strengthening our democracy,” the First Lady said, while opening the session on Special Seats for Women in Parliament.

“Giving women a seat at the table is not about charity. It is about recognising competence, diversity of experience, and the unique perspectives women bring to leadership.”

She urged lawmakers to seize the opportunity of the ongoing constitutional review to legally reserve parliamentary seats for women, commending the 10th National Assembly for fostering public engagement.

“Let us make history by enshrining representation that reflects the strength and diversity of Nigeria,” she added.

Mrs. Tinubu praised civil society groups, women’s organisations, and male allies who advocate for inclusive governance.

She also pledged her continued support for women’s political empowerment, education, and economic inclusion.

The event was part of the NASS Open Week, also known as OPEN NASS—an initiative designed to bridge the gap between parliament and citizens by promoting transparency and public participation in the legislative process.

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Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas personally invited the First Lady to declare the special session open, highlighting the importance of inclusive discussions as the Parliament marks its second year.