Femi Gbajabiamila, supports the opposition coalition adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He views this coalition as a positive development for Nigeria’s democracy.
Gbajabiamila believes the coalition serves as a necessary check on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has expressed support for the recent coalition move by opposition leaders who have adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a unified political front. He described the development as a healthy sign for Nigeria’s democracy and an essential check on the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
After voting during the Lagos State local government elections at Polling Unit 014, located at Elizabeth Fowler Memorial High School in Surulere, Gbajabiamila spoke to journalists about the implications of the coalition.
“It’s a welcome development with the coalition. In every democracy, we must have some level of opposition otherwise we’ll run into a one-party state. It’s not the first time we’re seeing this. It’s good for democracy. But I’m not sure where it would go,” he said.
This comment follows a notable political realignment earlier in July, during which leading opposition politicians endorsed the ADC as a common platform to contest future elections—particularly the 2027 general elections.
As part of this transition, the long-serving ADC chairman, Ralph Nwosu, formally handed over party membership cards to former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Both will now serve as the interim national chairman and secretary of the newly unified group.
The coalition meeting brought together influential political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi. Others in attendance included Senator Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, Solomon Dalung, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Emeka Ihedioha, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar. Key stakeholders from the PDP, Labour Party, and SDP were also present, further signaling a major shift toward opposition unity under the ADC banner.
Gbajabiamila also commented on the local council elections, which he described as orderly but underwhelming in terms of citizen participation.
“So far, I’ve seen peace, I’ve seen quiet, I’ve seen free and fair election. A little bit disappointed about the turnout which is where we need to work on,” he noted.
He underscored the importance of grassroots elections, often overshadowed by federal polls, emphasizing their direct impact on everyday life.
“Perhaps because people don’t understand fully the importance of local government elections, which is even more important than any other election. We need to sensitise our people. We need to educate them about the importance of grassroots government,” Gbajabiamila concluded.
