Political Analyst Criticizes ADC as a Haven for Displaced Political Elites
By Kelechi Ugo
Prominent political commentator, Jones FCC Onwuasoanya, has dismissed the emerging coalition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as a political refuge for recycled politicians seeking a return to power, rather than a credible platform for national transformation.
In a strongly-worded opinion, Onwuasoanya stated that he would not be swayed into joining the ADC simply by the presence of political figures like Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, or Atiku Abubakar. He argued that many of the personalities now championing the ADC are the same individuals who have contributed to the country’s longstanding governance challenges.
“If I was not in APC, I would not be persuaded by characters like Nasir El-Rufai to join the so-called coalition party, ADC,” Onwuasoanya wrote. “I would join ADC if there are defined and clear benefits for me, not because I believe that the ADC can fix Nigeria quickly.”
He accused these political actors of opportunism, suggesting that their recent criticisms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are driven by self-interest rather than genuine concern for the country. According to him, if El-Rufai had been appointed Minister of Power—as speculated—his narrative would likely be very different.
“With characters like El-Rufai, Amaechi, Atiku, etc. championing the ADC, I would be unforgivably gullible to believe they are bringing anything new to the table,” he said, emphasizing that the current opposition movement is merely a rebranding effort by individuals previously rejected by voters or sidelined within their former parties.
Onwuasoanya acknowledged that political ambition is not inherently immoral, noting that politics is “serious business,” but stressed that Nigerian voters must remain vigilant.
“Everyone of them is interested in the national purse. They want to be the ones doing all the things they accuse President Tinubu of doing — and even worse,” he warned.
While conceding that there may be credible figures within the ADC, including Peter Obi, Onwuasoanya insisted that the party, in its current form, represents a “reconvergence of Nigeria’s bad leaders.”
The ADC has recently positioned itself as a potential third force in Nigerian politics, attracting attention as public discontent with both the APC and PDP grows. However, critics like Onwuasoanya argue that without a genuine ideological shift and credible leadership, the party may struggle to distinguish itself from the very establishment it seeks to replace.
