ADC Mocks APC Over Primary Figures, Says No Jump From 3 to 30

By Jonadab

Publisher: DocuNews Central May 25, 2026

ADC opens presidential primary with criticism of APC figures

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during its presidential primary election in Abuja on Monday. Party officials said ADC would not manipulate figures during its internal voting process. They used the moment to highlight what they described as transparent internal democracy.

According to DocuNews Central, the statement came as ADC members across Nigeria voted to choose the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. Party leaders said the exercise was designed to show openness and accountability.

On 2026-05-25 in Abuja, Nigeria, ADC leaders addressed journalists while voting began nationwide. The event marked the formal opening of the party’s presidential primary process.

What happened during the ADC primary?

ADC officials publicly criticised APC’s recent claims about membership and primary voting numbers. They argued that political parties must report accurate figures to maintain public trust.

Chief Ikechi Emenike, Chairman of the ADC Presidential Primaries Election Committee, said the party would not “jump from 3 to 30 or from 500 to 1000” while counting votes. His remark directly referenced concerns about inflated political figures in Nigeria’s electoral environment.

Furthermore, he stated that ADC wanted to show Nigerians that internal democracy remains possible. He added that party members should record only verifiable figures during the exercise.

Also read Goodluck Jonathan Gets Court Approval to Run for President in 2027

Where did it happen?

The announcement happened in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. ADC leaders spoke at the party’s primary collation centre while delegates voted in different states.

Meanwhile, officials said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been formally notified and was monitoring the process nationwide.

Who is involved?

Several senior ADC leaders attended the event. They included Chief Ikechi Emenike, Bolaji Abdullahi, and Prince Chinedu Idigo.

The presidential primary involved three major aspirants. They were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

In addition, the comments targeted the ruling APC, which has recently promoted large membership and voting figures ahead of 2027.

Bolaji Abdullahi challenges APC membership claims

ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the party has 3,444,000 registered members. He said those records were submitted to INEC and can be independently verified.

He added that transparency remains central to ADC’s political strategy. Therefore, he challenged APC to release comparable verifiable records.

According to DocuNews Central, Abdullahi described APC’s membership claims as “amusing and laughable.” He argued that such figures may create a false public impression before the election cycle begins.

INEC monitoring highlighted by ADC

Prince Chinedu Idigo, ADC’s National Organising Secretary, said the party followed all required legal procedures. He confirmed that INEC received formal notices before the primaries.

As a result, ADC said the commission was expected to observe the process nationwide. Party officials insisted that compliance was important to avoid disputes.

Political significance ahead of 2027

The statement reflects rising political tension ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. Both major and emerging parties have started early positioning.

ADC has increasingly presented itself as a reform-driven opposition platform. Therefore, the party used Monday’s primary to reinforce that message.

At the same time, APC leaders continue to project strength through nationwide membership and support claims. That contrast is likely to shape future campaign narratives.

Authority reaction

INEC had not issued a separate reaction to ADC’s criticism at the time of publication. However, the electoral commission has repeatedly stated that political parties must comply with electoral law and internal democratic procedures.

That requirement remains central to candidate legitimacy under Nigerian electoral regulations.

How DocuNews Central verified this report

DocuNews Central reviewed direct statements published by national Nigerian media outlets, including Vanguard and Independent Nigeria. The reporting was cross-checked against named speakers, event location, and the date of the primary.

Only matching verified details were included in this report.

Related sources: Vanguard Nigeria | Independent Nigeria | INEC Official Website