The political landscape in Sokoto State witnessed a significant shift this Wednesday as Representative Abdussamad Dasuki, the lawmaker representing Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency, officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Picking up his membership card at his Dogon Daji/Salah Ward in Tambuwal Local Government Area, Dasuki’s move was more than a simple party change; it served as a platform for a scathing critique of the current state of Nigeria’s electoral integrity and the future of multi-party politics.
During the event, which drew a massive crowd of supporters and defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political groups, Dasuki voiced deep-seated concerns regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He suggested that the commission’s recent actions appear designed to stifle opposition parties, potentially paving the way for a one-party state. Specifically, he pointed to INEC’s refusal to recognize certain leadership structures within the ADC as a troubling sign of a broader agenda to consolidate power.
The lawmaker believes these administrative hurdles are not merely procedural errors but are instead calculated moves to weaken alternative political voices before the 2027 general elections. He argued that by undermining the internal dynamics of opposition parties, the electoral body is inadvertently, or perhaps intentionally, strengthening the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and shrinking the democratic space for millions of Nigerians.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Dasuki emphasized that the current trajectory of the nation’s politics threatens the very “soul of our democracy.” He warned that a vibrant, diverse nation like Nigeria cannot thrive under a system that seeks to monopolize power. To him, the survival of the country’s democratic gains depends on a competitive and inclusive environment where different ideologies can clash and coexist without the fear of being systematically erased.
The decision to join the ADC is rooted in a vision for a more youth-centric political era. Dasuki described the party as a unique platform that prioritizes the energy and inclusion of young people in governance at all levels. This sentiment resonated deeply with the various youth groups present, many of whom cited the biting economic hardships and persistent insecurity in the region as their primary reasons for seeking a fresh political direction under his leadership.
This transition follows Dasuki’s formal resignation from the PDP on March 15, 2026. At the time, he cited the party’s unending leadership crises as a major deterrent, noting that the internal friction had rendered the PDP incapable of serving as a credible or organized opposition. By moving to the ADC, he hopes to build a new coalition capable of addressing the socio-economic challenges facing his constituents and the wider Nigerian population.
As he welcomed hundreds of new members into the ADC, Dasuki issued a rallying cry to civil society organizations and the international community to keep a watchful eye on Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He maintained that the journey ahead is about protecting the rule of law and ensuring that the 2027 elections are not a foregone conclusion, but a genuine reflection of the people’s will. For the people of Tambuwal/Kebbe, this move marks the beginning of a new chapter aimed at restoring a sense of balance to the nation’s political discourse.
