ADC calls Jigawa APC's 2 million vote pledge for Tinubu unrealistic

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has openly contested the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding their promise to secure two million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the forthcoming 2027 general elections. The opposition party has labelled the target as unrealistic and characterised the declaration as political propaganda. This reaction was issued by Hon. Shehu Sule Udi, the ADC candidate for the Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, who addressed the ruling party's earlier announcement regarding their electoral strategy in the state.

Udi grounded his critique in figures from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which show that Jigawa State possesses a registered voter count of 2,807,811. He argued that the APC's goal of securing two million votes is statistically improbable given the total electorate size. According to Udi, the disparity between the registered voter count and the APC's target exposes the ruling party's claims as mere rhetoric rather than a grounded electoral projection. He stated that no reasonable person would support the APC in the coming election, citing widespread fatigue with the current administration and the suffering experienced by the people of Jigawa State.

Background

The dispute originated from an earlier statement by the Jigawa State branch of the APC, where they pledged to provide two million votes in aid of President Tinubu's campaign for a second term. In response, the ADC has positioned itself as a credible alternative capable of addressing the economic hardships facing Nigerians. Udi highlighted the growing support for the ADC's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, across Jigawa State, asserting that the opposition is gaining momentum daily. He expressed confidence that this increasing backing would translate into a massive victory for the ADC in the state, effectively defeating the incumbent president.

The political dynamic in Jigawa State is further shaped by recent shifts in party allegiance. Udi made these remarks while welcoming defectors from other political parties in the Ringim and Taura Local Government Areas. He described their decision to join the ADC as a significant boost to the party's strength ahead of the 2027 polls. The candidate promised the newly joined individuals that they would be regarded as partners of equal standing, regardless of their prior political ties. He highlighted the necessity of solidarity, collaboration, and shared accountability in constructing a strong political foundation that meets the requirements of the general public.

Why it matters

The dispute over the feasibility of the APC's vote target highlights the intensifying competition for political dominance in Jigawa State ahead of the 2027 general elections. For the ADC, the ability to attract defectors and mobilise grassroots support is central to their strategy of challenging the ruling party's hold on the region. Udi called upon both veteran and recent members of the ADC to collaborate in bolstering the party's footprint within the Ringim and Taura Local Government Areas. He called for increased political participation and inclusive leadership as preparations for the elections gather momentum. The ADC's stance suggests a broader narrative of dissatisfaction with the current administration, aiming to capitalise on economic grievances to secure electoral gains. The party maintains that its platform offers a viable solution to the challenges facing the state, contrasting its approach with what it perceives as the APC's reliance on unrealistic electoral promises.

What happens next

As the 2027 general elections approach, both parties are expected to continue their campaigns and mobilisation efforts in Jigawa State. The ADC aims to consolidate the support of its new members and expand its grassroots reach, while the APC will likely seek to validate its vote targets through its own campaign activities. The final outcome will depend on voter turnout and the effectiveness of each party's mobilisation strategies in the months leading up to the polls.