Professor Usman Yusuf has expressed confidence that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will participate in the 2027 general elections despite ongoing legal disputes surrounding the party, while predicting defeat for President Bola Tinubu if the polls are conducted freely and fairly.
Speaking during an interview on SYMFONI TV’s Nigeria Unfiltered, Yusuf criticized recent legal actions targeting the ADC and other political parties, describing them as attempts to undermine democratic competition ahead of the next election cycle.
Reacting to a court ruling that ordered the deregistration of several political parties, Yusuf argued that the decision lacked merit and would ultimately fail to prevent opposition parties from contesting future elections.
According to him, the ADC has elected representatives and has also attracted lawmakers from other parties, making any attempt to remove it from the political landscape legally questionable.
During the interview, Yusuf declared, “It is going to be on the ticket on the ballot in 2027 and President Bola will lose this election.”
The former NHIS Executive Secretary accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of becoming increasingly nervous about the political strength of opposition forces ahead of the next presidential contest. He argued that efforts to challenge the ADC’s status stem from fears over the popularity of opposition figures within the coalition.
Yusuf particularly highlighted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a formidable political figure, insisting that his experience and national reach make him a significant contender. He also praised former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as a respected political leader with considerable acceptance across northern Nigeria.
According to Yusuf, attempts to weaken opposition parties could have the opposite effect by energizing their supporters and creating greater public sympathy for their cause.
He further alleged that many Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current administration due to economic hardship and insecurity, factors he believes could shape voting patterns in 2027.
The professor maintained that democracy thrives when citizens are presented with multiple choices at the ballot box and warned against any action that could restrict political participation.
Yusuf also expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of the executive arm on other institutions of government, including the legislature and judiciary. He argued that preserving the independence of democratic institutions would be critical to ensuring credible elections.
Looking ahead, he insisted that opposition parties would remain active participants in the electoral process and vowed that supporters would continue to mobilize in preparation for the polls.
While acknowledging that political contests remain unpredictable, Yusuf maintained that voter sentiment would ultimately determine the outcome of the election. He argued that Nigerians should be allowed to freely choose their leaders without interference, adding that the strength of democracy lies in open competition and respect for the will of the electorate.
