The Senior Political Assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Demola Olarewaju, on Monday launched a strong criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress, declaring that the emerging coalition under the African Democratic Congress represents a turning point for Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking during an interview on a current affairs programme in Ogun State, Olarewaju said the ADC coalition had become a necessary response to what he described as a shrinking political space and deepening instability within opposition parties.
He argued that the coalition was not a mere alliance for elections but a structural movement driven by concerns over governance, imbalance in the political system, and weakening opposition forces.
“I think the ADC coalition is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria over the past few years,” he said. “We see what is going on as regards the shrinking of the political space. We see a president who claims to be a political genius but is not able to solve the problems of Nigeria, yet is able to disrupt opposition political parties.”
Olarewaju pointed to internal crises within major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, as evidence of what he described as a broader systemic problem. According to him, the ADC is stepping into a vacuum created by persistent fragmentation and pressure within the opposition.
He maintained that the growing support for the ADC reflects public sentiment, noting that large numbers of Nigerians had shown interest in the party within a short period.
“The ADC has come to expand that space. It is an absolutely good thing for Nigerians,” he added.
The aide also alleged that opposition parties were facing indirect political pressure, claiming that certain federal allocations were being influenced by political alignment. He cited claims by some governors who had raised concerns over access to funds tied to their stance within the political divide.
On the coalition’s strength ahead of the 2027 elections, Olarewaju expressed confidence in its ability to unite key political figures, including Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai.
He said the coming together of such figures under one platform would have been considered impossible a year ago, describing it as a sign of the coalition’s growing influence.
Olarewaju further downplayed the zoning debate, insisting that governance competence should take priority over regional considerations.
“Does Bola Tinubu deserve to continue, whether he is Yoruba or not? That is the question Nigerians should ask,” he said.
On the economy, he described rising prices of basic commodities as evidence of governance failure, arguing that hardship was now a daily reality for citizens across the country.
He also questioned recent remarks by Senate President Godswill Akpabio suggesting that insecurity would subside after the 2027 elections, saying such comments should attract scrutiny from security agencies.
“In a sane country, the Senate President would be invited for questioning. How does he know?” Olarewaju said.
He concluded by stating that the ADC would adopt a firm stance on security, insisting that criminal activities must be met with strict enforcement of the law without political consideration.
“The moment a country begins to rehabilitate terrorists without accountability, there is a problem,” he said, adding that justice must prioritise both victims and the rule of law.
