The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says Nigerians have come to a consensus that they don't want the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) anymore.
Addressing journalists after the unveiling of the National Headquarters of the party at Wuse area of the Federal Capital Territory, on Monday, National Publicity Secretary of the party Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said insinuations that the edifice belongs to Atiku Abubakar was not true.
He said Atiku used to be the tenant of the building which he used for his presidential campaign, but his tenancy had lapsed.
"Now the African Democratic Congress is the tenant of this building. So, this building at no time did it belong to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. He leased it for the purpose of his campaign, and that lease has ceased. And now the tenancy is occupied by the African Democratic Congress."
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Bolaji further explained that Atiku had nothing to do with the movement there, emphasising that the decision is solely ADC's.
"That's why you see potential presidential candidates, other potential presidential candidates are also here today for the unveiling."
Answering questions on whether, the ADC has what it takes to challenge the ruling party, Abdullahi said the question is about Nigerians and what they want.
"Because one thing that is the consensus today is that Nigerians don't want this APC to continue. We can travel from here to Maiduguri, from Maiduguri to Abeokuta, and Abeokuta to Anambra. The consensus appears to be that they don't want this APC to continue.
"The question is whether we, as an opposition party, will be able to convince them that we represent the alternative. And the responsibility that we have, which we recognize, is that, especially young people, how do we help them to overcome their cynicism and see ADC as an alternative? And that is why we say in everything we do, you had the chairman today, it's not going to be business as usual. If you take time to read our anthem, I don't think any political party in this country had sat down to write an anthem that would guide its operating philosophy."
He expressed optimism that in the coming days, ADC is going to release its ethical principles and philosophy and any leader or member of the party must abide, "these are things you cannot do.
"Look, we're not doing this because we just want power in 2027. We are doing this because we see an opportunity to reset Nigerian politics and make Nigerians believe, once again, that good things can come out of politics and that politicians can actually serve the people. So we are not in a race with APC in terms of who is better prepared or not.
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"We are in a race with APC in terms of convincing Nigerians that we are the party that best represents the interests and aspirations of Nigerians. That's the answer."
Speaking earlier, shortly after the unveiling, National Chairman of the party, Senator David Mark, said the gathering was not merely to unveil a building, "but to unveil a new chapter; a bold statement of purpose and commitment to democracy and service to our country. It is a physical testament to our collective resolve to build a greater nation."
