The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for declaring there will be “no vacancy in Aso Rock” in 2027, describing the statement as arrogant, presumptuous, and dismissive of the suffering faced by millions of Nigerians.

The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, made the remark on Tuesday during a meeting at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja a comment widely interpreted as a declaration of President Bola Tinubu’s intention to seek re-election in 2027.

Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the presidency is not a birthright, but a responsibility that must be earned and renewed through performance and democratic consent.

“The APC Chairman’s declaration is disrespectful to the Nigerian people, who are tired of hunger, insecurity, joblessness, and unfulfilled promises,” the ADC said. “We understand why the APC is afraid and would wish to avoid the day of reckoning at the ballot box.”

The opposition party warned that such rhetoric could further deepen public suspicion that elections may not be free or fair, and that citizens’ votes may be disregarded.

‘Tinubu Must Reapply in 2027’

The ADC insisted that regardless of the APC’s proclamations, there will be a vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027, and that President Tinubu would have to “reapply” for the job by convincing Nigerians of his administration’s achievements.

“President Tinubu must show Nigerians why he should continue on the job despite his ruinous policies that have made life miserable for the majority,” the statement continued.

The party said the APC would be judged at the ballot box using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as youth employment, security, food affordability, power supply, and access to justice.

‘Propaganda Can’t Mask the Suffering’

The ADC accused the ruling party of being out of touch with everyday realities, stating that while the government continues to “clap for itself,” Nigerians are grappling with worsening economic and security conditions.

“Food prices continue to rise, more communities are under siege by bandits, and the naira remains battered. Yet, the APC continues to award itself medals of excellence,” the ADC said.

The party described the “no vacancy” statement as a mockery of the Nigerian electorate, especially those struggling to survive in a harsh economy.

“It is to spit in the face of every Nigerian who believes in their democratic power. It is to mock the pain of parents who can’t afford food, graduates who remain jobless, and entrepreneurs whose businesses have collapsed,” the statement added.

The ADC concluded by stressing that no level of propaganda or political posturing would erase public memory of the APC’s track record by the time Nigerians return to the polls in 2027.

“The APC will have to reapply for the job of leading this country in 2027 and they do not get to mark their own papers,” the statement said.