By Joyce Ekeh
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its presidential campaign rally in Kaduna, alleging that empty seats and poorly attended proceedings undermined the ruling party’s attempt to showcase its political strength in the Northwest.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC claimed that the rally fell short of expectations despite alleged mobilisation of attendees from the seven states in the Northwest and beyond.
The council further alleged that some attendees were paid between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 each to participate, but said the Kaduna Township Stadium remained sparsely occupied.
“For a rally billed as the Northwest zonal flag-off, what we witnessed was a shameful spectacle. Despite the alleged mobilisation of crowds from across the zone and beyond, the stadium remained scantily filled, with empty seats everywhere,” Ologbondiyan said.
The allegations concerning payments to attendees and the level of attendance were made by the opposition campaign council and were not independently verified for this report.
ADC questions Tinubu’s reception at Kaduna rally
The ADC-PCC also criticised the reception given to speeches by APC leaders, describing the crowd’s reported response as unenthusiastic.
It questioned President Bola Tinubu’s claims about his administration’s performance, particularly in relation to infrastructure projects highlighted during the campaign event.
The council also alleged that some attendees expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling party after leaving the stadium, claiming they chanted “Ba mu yi”, a Hausa expression meaning “we do not agree” or “we do not want it”, depending on context.
Ologbondiyan argued that attendance at a political rally should not automatically be interpreted as public endorsement of a candidate or party.
“You can rent a crowd, but you cannot rent acceptance. Even if people attend a rally, that does not mean they have surrendered their convictions. The real test of public support is what Nigerians will decide at the ballot box,” he said.
Opposition accuses APC of recycling promises
The opposition campaign council accused the APC of repeating promises made during the 2015, 2019 and 2023 election cycles without adequately accounting for its years in power.
It also faulted Tinubu for blaming opposition politicians for the economic hardship confronting Nigerians, arguing that the administration should address the consequences of its policies.
The council specifically cited petrol subsidy removal and rising living costs, which it said had increased financial pressure on households.
The APC has defended its economic reforms and maintained that its policies are intended to improve the country’s economic prospects. The ADC-PCC’s latest criticism adds to the political exchanges between the ruling party and opposition groups ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
ADC calls for change of government in 2027
The ADC-PCC urged the ruling party to abandon what it described as wasteful political events, apologise to Nigerians over prevailing economic difficulties and prepare for an orderly transfer of power in 2027.
The council also presented the ADC as an alternative to the APC, expressing confidence that voters would use the next presidential election to assess the ruling party’s record.
“The message from Kaduna is loud and clear: Nigerians are saying ‘Ba mu yi’ to the APC and Tinubu. Come 2027, they will speak even louder with their votes,” Ologbondiyan declared.
The ADC-PCC’s statement did not establish how many people attended the rally or independently substantiate its allegations of payments to participants.
The Kaduna campaign event formed part of the APC’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
