ADC Criticizes APC’s Kaduna Rally: A Show of Weakness with Rented Crowds
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a scathing critique of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a lackluster Northwest zonal flag-off rally in Kaduna, branding it a clear indication of the ruling party’s dwindling public support.
The ADC claims that the event, aimed at demonstrating APC strength, instead showcased empty seats and “rented crowds.”
Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC Director of Media and Publicity, accused the APC of paying attendees between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 to ensure a semblance of turnout at the Kaduna Township Stadium, which holds 5,000 but remained largely vacant.
“For a rally meant to energize the Northwest, the scene was disappointing,” Ologbondiyan stated, highlighting the stark difference between the anticipated excitement and the tepid response to APC leaders’ speeches.
He also criticized President Bola Tinubu’s claims regarding his administration’s achievements, particularly his announcement of road projects during the rally, calling it disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Attendees reportedly expressed their discontent, with some chanting “Ba mu yi,” a Hausa phrase interpreted by Ologbondiyan as a rejection of the APC’s policies and leadership.
You can rent a crowd, but you cannot rent genuine support. Just because people show up doesn’t mean they endorse your agenda,” he emphasized, asserting that the true measure of public sentiment will be revealed at the polls.
The ADC further accused the APC of recycling unfulfilled promises from previous elections, questioning the party’s accountability during its time in power.
Ologbondiyan also criticized Tinubu for shifting the blame for Nigeria’s economic woes onto opposition leaders, rather than addressing the fallout from his administration’s controversial policies, especially the removal of fuel subsidies.
The ADC urged the APC to stop what they called “wasteful political spectacles” and to apologize to Nigerians for the ongoing economic challenges, preparing instead for an orderly transition of power in 2027.
“The message from Kaduna is unmistakable: Nigerians are saying ‘Ba mu yi’ to the APC and Tinubu. In 2027, they’ll make their discontent heard even louder with their votes,” Ologbondiyan declared confidently.
As political tensions rise ahead of the upcoming elections, the ADC aims to position itself as a viable alternative to the ruling party, pledging to hold the APC accountable for its governance failures.
With discontent evident at the Kaduna rally, the ADC believes this sentiment will resonate throughout the nation, shaping the future of Nigerian politics.
