2027 Polls: Yoruba Ronu withdraws support for APC, backs ADC

2026-02-26 - 12:08

By Dapo Akinrefon The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum has withdrawn its support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that it will back the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in future elections across the country. The group announced its decision after a visit to the national headquarters of the ADC in Abuja during the week, where its leaders held what they described as strategic discussions with party officials. In a statement signed by its President, Akin Malaolu, the forum accused the APC of offering what it termed “gangster governance” at the federal, state and local council levels, alleging that such leadership has eroded public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system. The forum cited the recent local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, which recorded low voter turnout, as evidence of what it described as growing voter apathy and declining faith in democratic processes. “The abysmally low turnout in the Abuja council polls confirms our fears that democracy is under serious strain,” the forum stated. The group also expressed concern over Nigeria’s international image under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing the country as facing reputational challenges and deepening socio-economic pressures. It argued that worsening economic conditions, rising unemployment and persistent insecurity in rural communities have compounded citizens’ frustrations, adding that food security concerns are mounting nationwide. Declaring its resolve, the forum said it would no longer support the APC in any future elections, opting instead to align with the ADC, which it described as a credible alternative platform capable of challenging the ruling party’s dominance. It further noted that the ADC has attracted several high-profile political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi; former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi; former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung; former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai; and former Senate President David Mark, who currently serves as the party’s National Chairman. The forum also pointed to the ADC’s recent electoral gains, including victories in two House of Representatives seats, as evidence of what it described as the party’s growing acceptance among voters. Beyond electoral support, Yoruba Ronu said it intends to contribute to the ADC’s policy direction by offering advisory support, policy re-engineering initiatives and expert consultations to ensure that Yoruba interests are adequately represented within the party’s framework. It added that joint campaign strategies would be developed to mobilise voters across key constituencies in the Southwest. “We urge our people at home and in the Diaspora to promote the ideals of the ADC as a platform positioned to win presidential and other elections,” the forum stated.