President uses national party meeting to ridicule rising ADC–Obi coalition, defends internal reforms and hints at wider party absorption plan
Byline: IDNN Political Desk
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has publicly ridiculed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its emerging coalition alliance backing Peter Obi, describing the opposition movement as a “coalition of confusion” during a charged address at the 14th APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa on Thursday.
In a tone that was both defiant and mocking, Tinubu said it was not wrong to abandon a “sinking ship,” referencing the wave of defections hitting opposition parties and the growing rumblings about a Third Force ahead of 2027.
“They call it a coalition — I call it a coalition of confusion,” Tinubu said, pausing to allow laughter from APC chieftains. “If your house is collapsing, don’t stay under it. Join the progressive movement.”
ADC fires back: “Diplomacy is not a side hustle”
Barely hours after the President’s remarks, the African Democratic Congress issued a scathing rebuttal, accusing Tinubu of mocking Nigeria’s foreign policy failures while presiding over worsening insecurity and diplomatic embarrassment.
Referencing the U.S. government’s Level 3 travel advisory warning citizens to “reconsider travel to Nigeria,” the ADC criticized Tinubu’s administration for the absence of Nigerian ambassadors in key capitals like Washington D.C.
“This government treats diplomacy like a side hustle,” said ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi. “Our nation is voiceless on the world stage while the President cracks jokes about coalitions.”
The party also highlighted the collapse of healthcare infrastructure and accused the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of incompetence.
The party also highlighted the collapse of healthcare infrastructure and accused the Ministry of Foreig
Tinubu defends Ganduje, unveils plans for new APC Secretariat
Tinubu used the NEC platform to thank outgoing APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and announced plans to retain him as a consultant to the party’s new leadership under Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
He revealed a proposal to construct a new APC national secretariat in Abuja — a permanent party headquarters to replace the current Blantyre Street property named after Muhammadu Buhari.
“Let’s leave behind a real legacy — not just in governance but in party structure,” Tinubu said. “We’ll identify land and build a secretariat befitting of Africa’s largest political party.”
Grassroots complaints: Tinubu urges governors to ‘wet the grass’
In another notable portion of his speech, Tinubu directly addressed APC state governors, urging them to step up engagement with ordinary citizens and deliver tangible improvements.
“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots,” he warned. “Governors must wet the grass — nurture the roots, not just the branches.”
He emphasized that progressive change must be visible and consistent, particularly at the local government level.
Bigger political play: Open doors and absorption strategy
Political insiders say Tinubu’s attack on ADC was not random. The ADC has been gaining momentum as a platform for anti-APC sentiment, especially after the Imo ADC endorsed Peter Obi as its 2027 candidate.
Analysts believe Tinubu’s remarks signal a strategic push to absorb moderate defectors from PDP and smaller parties into APC’s fold before 2026, effectively neutralizing a viable Third Force.
“He’s mocking them because they scare him,” said political analyst Fola Obanla. “But behind the jokes is a very serious absorption strategy.”
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