CSOs Strategist Says Desperate Alliance of Failed Politicians Masquerading as a “Third Force” Under the ADC Umbrella

 

Fellow Nigerians,

It is with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to democratic accountability that, we as a civil society Strategist, issue this strong condemnation of the growing charade being stage managed under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — now being paraded as a so-called “third force” by a syndicate of expired and failed political actors.

What is being branded as a people’s movement is nothing but a coalition of opportunists, political jobbers, and recycled figures who have serially betrayed the trust of Nigerians, lost relevance in their original parties, and are now seeking to hoodwink the electorate ahead of 2027.

Leading this deceptive parade is Atiku Abubakar, the serial presidential contestant who sees every election as his entitlement, regardless of the will of the people. His desperation to clinch power, by any platform available, is not about national interest but personal ambition.

Closely behind him is David Mark, dubiously installed as the impostor chairman of the ADC — a man who, for decades, benefited from the very system he now pretends to challenge. His sudden emergence as the face of an alternative political platform is nothing more than a calculated fraud.

The same can be said for Bukola Saraki, whose legacy of political manipulation and self-serving leadership during his Senate presidency remains fresh in our memory.

From the APC, we are witnessing a shameful gathering of sore losers in the party's internal power dynamics, including:

Rauf Aregbesola, now being smuggled in as the impostor secretary of the ADC. His estrangement from mainstream APC should not be confused for patriotism — it is the result of his diminished influence, not elevated principles.

Nasir El-Rufai, the controversial former governor of Kaduna State, who fled the APC only to reappear like a chameleon, now aligned with SDP and ADC actors. Nigerians must ask: What does he really stand for, other than power at all costs?

Rotimi Amaechi and Abubakar Malami, known enablers of systemic rot during the Buhari administration. Malami in particular was the chief architect of the legal cabal that weakened democratic institutions for eight years. Their sudden interest in a new political platform is a red flag to all Nigerians.

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, now fraternizing with the same elements that his movement claimed to stand against. His association with this group raises questions about the sincerity and ideological clarity of the so-called “Obidient movement.”

Let us be clear:

This gang-up under ADC is not a movement — it is a desperate reunion of politicians with a common goal: to regain power by deception. It is a melting pot of spent forces, former governors, failed ministers, and career politicians who could not thrive in a reformed APC or revive their old parties like PDP.

The “Third Force” is not born out of ideology, patriotism, or generational shift — it is a Frankenstein project stitched together by bitter losers, retired godfathers, and political actors who see the 2027 elections as their last shot at national relevance.

Nigerians, especially the youth, must open their eyes. We must not fall for cosmetic rebranding of yesterday’s failures. Democracy cannot survive on deceit and manipulation.

Civil society organizations will continue to expose such alliances and mobilize for real people-powered alternatives, not elite-driven contraptions like this new version of ADC.

Let the truth be known:

The real third force is not in the hands of political has-beens, but in the power of the Nigerian people to organize, mobilize, and hold leaders accountable.

Signed for CSO's Strategist 

Balogun Hameed 

Convener

Frontline socio-economy Research centre (FSRC)

Co- Conveners

* Workbond international Network (WIN)

* Yoruba Youth Assembly (YYA)

* Congress of Nigeria youth League (CNYL)

* Lagos State Liberation Congress (LASLIC)

* People's Accountability and Transparency (PAT)

* Vanguard for Social Justice (VSJ)

* Centre for Human Rights (CHR)

* Centre for Peace Initiatives (CPI)