By John Moses
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) was formally launched in Rivers State on Wednesday, with a number of party members arriving at Port Harcourt International Airport to welcome key political figures expected to attend the event.
Supporters at the airport expressed enthusiasm over a potential 2027 presidential ticket pairing former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar with former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi. The proposal, although yet to be formally endorsed by the party, has generated conversation among party loyalists in the region.
Mr Tele Bathram, a former governorship aspirant during the 2023 general elections, told The Cabal that the party is putting structures in place to secure grassroots support across all 23 local government areas of the state.
Bathram described ADC as a growing political force made up of opposition leaders and disillusioned members of the ruling party. “The aim is to recalibrate Nigeria’s political landscape and offer credible alternatives to the electorate,” he said.
Another supporter, Mr Christian Akujiobi, highlighted the hardship endured by citizens in Rivers under the current administration, adding that the ADC represents a path to reclaim the state’s lost potential. “People are frustrated and yearning for a new direction. ADC offers that promise,” he said.
However, not all voices were optimistic. Port Harcourt resident Mr Williams Ndamiete questioned the credibility of Amaechi’s return to state politics. “He abandoned his core base while pursuing national ambitions. What you’re seeing today may be a hired crowd, not genuine supporters,” Ndamiete said.
According to The Cabal, the ADC has recently repositioned itself as a coalition platform drawing in influential figures from across the political spectrum. Prominent figures now associated with the party include Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, former Senate President David Mark (now ADC National Chairman), and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who serves as National Secretary.
