The Publicity Secretary, Kaduna State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition, Darius Kurah has said that North would rally round the candidate of the coalition in 2027 general elections to vote into power its presidential candidate to replace President Bola Tinubu.

In this interview with our Correspondent, Kurah said, the coalition is now a united and formidable party to be able to win elections convincingly provided the elections will be free and fair.

The Publicity Secretary also spoke on other national issues.

Excerpts:

There is this talk making the rounds that the coalition in Kaduna State is factionalised. How true is this?

This is a narrative deliberately pushed by those who benefit from disunity. The coalition in Kaduna is not factionalised, it is diverse, yes, but united around a common goal: to rescue our democracy from manipulation, intimidation, and abuse of power. If anything, the recent APC-sponsored by-election has further solidified our resolve.

In addition, I can tell you that in a landmark political development, the entire structure of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Kaduna State Chapter has officially collapsed into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during a strategic coalition meeting held on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The high-level meeting, chaired by the coalition Leader and elder statesman, Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, brought together key political figures and stakeholders from across party lines. Present at the historic gathering were Hon. Ja’afar Mohammed Sani, ADC Vice Chairman (North West); Elder Patrick Ambut, ADC State Party Chairman; Mallam Bashir Saidu, ADC Leader Kaduna State; former Commissioners; SDP State Working Committee members; political stakeholders; and representatives from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In his opening remarks at that meeting, Mallam El-Rufai applauded the spirit of unity and the strategic importance of consolidating forces ahead of upcoming political engagements. He emphasised the significance of a united front in advancing progressive governance and inclusive development in Kaduna State. So, the atmosphere was one of renewed optimism, unity, and shared commitment toward a more inclusive and people-centered political process in Kaduna State.

The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), won the recent by-elections into federal and state constituencies in Kaduna State and other parts of the country. Some Nigerians believe that the victory was a signal that the 2027 elections will be a walkover for APC. What is your take on this?

There’s a difference between victory at the polls and forced submission. What happened on August 16 was not a free and fair election; it was a coordinated operation involving state-sponsored intimidation, vote-buying, and the misuse of security agencies. If democracy is allowed to thrive without coercion, APC cannot win in a fair contest in 2027.

There were serious allegations of vote buying and thuggery during the by-elections. What is your advice to all the political parties in the country?

Our advice is simple: respect the will of the people. Elections should be about ideas, not intimidation. The use of thugs, cash inducements, and coercion undermines our democracy. All political parties must recommit to free, fair, and credible elections, or Nigeria’s democratic gains risk being completely eroded.

Again, elections should be about public service, not warfare. Vote-buying and thuggery not only disenfranchise citizens but also weaken our democratic institutions. Every party must denounce these tactics. INEC and security agencies must also be neutral. Nigerians deserve leaders who emerge through genuine choice, not fear.

From all indications, North is divided over the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Some Northerners are working for the re-election of Tinubu, while others are working against it. Does ADC coalition has the candidate that can unseat Tinubu in 2027?

Absolutely. The ADC Coalition is building a strong, credible, and inclusive alliance that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians across regions. We are not driven by ethnicity or religion, but by competence, credibility, and a clear agenda for rescuing Nigeria. We will present a candidate who represents this vision, one that can defeat Tinubu convincingly in a fair and free election.

The ruling APC, has every power, including financial muscle and goodwill to prosecute the 2027 general elections. What can ADC coalition boast of to win the election?

The APC’” so-called goodwill is manufactured through fear and coercion. What we have and they lack is genuine connection with the people, integrity, and a vision to fix Nigeria. We are building grassroots networks, rallying young people, and uniting across party lines. That people-powered energy is something money cannot buy. We believe in due process and will never shield any individual found guilty of corruption. However, we must also recognise that under this administration, anti-corruption agencies have become tools for political witch-hunting. Selective prosecution is not justice, it’s suppression. Let the law take its course, but let it apply equally to all, including members of the ruling party.

Don’t you think that the arrest and court cases against your members may weaken the coalition ahead of the 2027 race?

Not at all. If anything, it exposes the desperation of a government trying to cling to power at all costs. We remain undeterred. These tactics may intimidate individuals, but they cannot stop an idea whose time has come. The coalition is made up of resilient Nigerians who know that the future of this country cannot be mortgaged by fear.

What do you think the coalition is going to do differently from Tinubu’s government if it wins the presidential election?

We will restore rule of law, prioritise security for all not just for those in power and focus on economic policies that empower small businesses and the middle class. Transparency, youth inclusion, decentralisation, and anti-corruption efforts will be at the heart of our government. No more government by press release and propaganda; we will govern by performance.

There are reports that President Tinubu has done a lot in terms of infrastructure development in the North within his two years in office, and therefore he deserves the North’s support. What is your reaction?

Infrastructure development is a duty, not a favour. And even at that, much of the so-called infrastructural development exists more in newspapers headlines than on in reality. (Daily Sun)