2027: Aborisade Warns Against Imposition, Demands Fairness in ADC, Backs Coalition with Conditions
The Oyo State governorship hopeful on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Barrister Chief Niyi Aborisade (BANA), has cautioned political actors against any attempt to hijack or marginalise the existing structure of the party in the state, declaring that such moves would be strongly resisted.
Aborisade gave the warning while reacting to the opposition stakeholders’ summit held over the weekend in Ibadan, where leaders and representatives of various political parties converged to deliberate on the possibility of forming a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly the emergence of a consensus presidential candidate.
The Ibadan summit, which drew key figures from opposition blocs including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), ADC, and other political movements, focused on strategies to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Discussions centred on coalition-building, harmonisation of interests, and the need to present a formidable alternative capable of winning national and state-level elections.
While expressing support for the idea of a coalition, Aborisade maintained that unity must not come at the expense of justice, fairness, and internal democracy within participating parties.
He said, “Coalition is not the problem; injustice is. We welcome alliances that will strengthen democracy and give Nigerians a credible alternative, but such arrangements must be built on equity and mutual respect.”
The legal practitioner-turned-politician emphasised that no individual or group should assume that joining forces with ADC automatically confers control over its established structures in Oyo State.
According to him, “No one should have it in mind to take over or suppress the existing structure of ADC in Oyo State. The party has loyal members, leadership hierarchy, and a growing support base that must be respected.”
Aborisade further called for a level playing field for all aspirants within the party, insisting that transparency and fairness must guide the selection process ahead of the 2027 elections.
He stressed that any attempt at imposition of candidates or political subjugation would not only undermine party unity but also weaken the credibility of the proposed coalition.
“All aspirants must be given equal opportunity. There should be no preferential treatment, no imposition, and no backdoor arrangements. Internal democracy is non-negotiable,” he added.
The ADC chieftain also urged party stakeholders and leaders across opposition platforms to embrace what he described as “true democratic pressure” a system where decisions are driven by the will of the people rather than elite consensus or political manipulation.
Reaffirming his stance, Aborisade declared that he remains committed to the ideals of fairness, inclusiveness, and participatory politics, warning that he would not tolerate any form of political domination disguised as coalition politics.
“We are ready to work with others, but not under conditions of subjugation. Partnership must not translate to oppression. We must build a system where everyone has a voice and every vote counts,” he said.
The Ibadan summit is widely seen as part of ongoing efforts by opposition forces to realign and consolidate ahead of 2027, amid growing concerns over economic challenges, governance issues, and public dissatisfaction across the country.
Political observers believe that while coalition talks may gather momentum in the coming months, the success of such an alliance will largely depend on how well participating parties manage internal interests, leadership ambitions, and the demand for equity among stakeholders.