• Group cites gangster governance of ruling party
• ADC aspirant criticises Electoral Act, mentions legislative isolation

A South-West socio-political group, Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum, has formally withdrawn its support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that it will back the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in future elections.

The group, led by its President Akin Malaolu, announced the decision after a visit to the national headquarters of the ADC in Abuja during the week, where its leaders held what they described as strategic discussions with party officials.

In a statement signed by Malaolu, the Forum accused the APC of offering what it termed “gangster governance” at the federal, state and local council levels, alleging that such leadership has eroded public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.

The Forum cited the recent local council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, which recorded low voter turnout, as evidence of what it described as growing voter apathy and declining faith in democratic processes.

According to the statement, “the abysmally low turnout in the Abuja council polls confirms our fears that democracy is under serious strain.”

The group, which also expressed concerns over Nigeria’s international image under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing the country as facing reputational challenges and deepening socio-economic pressures, said that the worsening economic conditions, rising unemployment and persistent insecurity in rural communities had compounded citizens’ frustrations, adding that food security concerns are mounting nationwide.

The Yoruba group, in its resolve, said it would no longer support the APC in any future elections, opting instead to align with the ADC, which it described as a credible alternative platform capable of challenging the ruling party’s dominance.

It, therefore, called on residents of the South-West region to register with the ADC at their respective ward levels and support the party in the upcoming general elections nationwide.

In another development, as Nigerians await the release of the full draft of the amended Electoral Act 2026, divergent reactions have continued to trail the new law.

An aspirant for the Akoko South-East/South-West Federal Constituency on the platform of the ADC, Richard Ogunrotifa, has condemned the legislation, describing it as less a shield for voters and more a suit of armour for incumbents.

In a statement, Ogunrotifa accused the National Assembly of operating in isolation from citizens’ realities and conducting the legislative process behind closed doors, without robust public hearings or grassroots consultations.

He condemned the speed with which legislators approve adjustments to their salaries and allowances with what he described as the slow, diluted handling of critical electoral reforms.

Ogunrotifa, who warned that political power is transient, cautioned that those who enact self-serving laws today could become victims of the same provisions tomorrow.

However, a member of the Lagos State chapter of the APC, Foud Oki, declined detailed comments on the campaign spending limits contained in the Act.

He said that until the complete draft is made public, “there is no need to start addressing its content piecemeal.”