ADC Chieftain Dr Ibrahim Mani dismisses defection fears, saying Nigerians—not defectors—will decide 2027 through the ballot, not violence.
ADC Chieftain Dr Ibrahim Mani has declared that the African Democratic Congress is unfazed by the rising wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress, insisting that political size does not determine the will of the people.
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Speaking during an interview on Trust TV’s Daily Politics on Tuesday, Dr Mani said Nigerians are disillusioned with the country’s economic direction and would ultimately decide the outcome of the 2027 elections through the ballot box.
“If you take the defection of a governor as the defection of an entire state into a party, then I’ll agree with you—but that’s not the case,” ADC Chieftain Dr Ibrahim Mani said.
“The people know what they want and they know they’ve been failed at all levels. So, these defections are neither here nor there.”
He stressed that defections have little real impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians, adding that the party remains focused on building a people-centred movement rather than chasing political alliances.
“It doesn’t make our lives better, it doesn’t improve our quality of living, and it doesn’t change the fact that people are suffering in this country,” Mani said firmly.
The ADC Chieftain Dr Ibrahim Mani emphasised that the ADC rejects any notion of violent power seizures, reaffirming the party’s commitment to democratic processes.
“We strongly believe that the only way to change any government in this country is through the ballot box, not the barrel of a gun,” he stated.
“We don’t support military takeovers or coups. Those days brought nothing but setbacks and negative consequences.”
Dr Mani warned that even discussions suggesting political complicity in any alleged coup plots should concern all Nigerians, as democracy must remain the country’s guiding principle.
He added that most Nigerians under 35 have no experience of military rule—a reality the ADC wants to preserve by ensuring leadership transitions remain peaceful, credible, and democratic.
“What we are trying to do is develop a mass movement in Nigeria, one that allows citizens to take ownership of their democracy,” he concluded.
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With his powerful remarks, ADC Chieftain Dr Ibrahim Mani positioned the party as a pro-democracy force determined to uphold the will of the people against political opportunism and elite defections.
