ADC receives new opposition bloc in Yobe to ‘rescue state from decline’

A coalition of political actors, civil society leaders, and concerned citizens in Yobe said it has formally aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring its intention to strengthen the opposition and chart a new political direction in the state.

Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Jawa, leader of the coalition, announced the development during a press briefing in Damaturu on Monday.

Jawa said the coalition’s decision followed wide consultations and a deep reflection on the current state of governance in Yobe and the country at large.

“This move is not driven by personal ambition or political gain; it is born out of a deep sense of responsibility to rescue our state and nation from further decline,” he said.

According to him, the coalition resolved to abandon silence and take action due to “worsening insecurity, mass displacement, collapsing education and health systems, economic hardship, and rampant corruption.”

He described the current situation as a “total system failure,” adding that the inability of the government to guarantee security had exposed citizens to daily threats of insurgency, kidnapping, and violent crime.

“Our security outfits are suffering due to poor political leadership.

“They are underfunded, ill-equipped, and demoralised.

“Their inability to protect lives is not a reflection of their bravery, but a result of failed leadership,” Jawa said.

He lamented the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the decay in the education sector, and a general collapse of public institutions.

“In many parts of Yobe, the public school system is worse than it was in the 1950s,” he said.

On the political process in the state, the coalition criticised what it termed the imposition of candidates, saying elective positions were no longer contested freely.

“Leadership positions in Yobe are being dictated from above, sidelining merit and public interest.

“The people are alienated, and democracy has been reduced to a shadow of itself,” Jawa said.

He further noted that corruption, nepotism, and impunity were thriving under the current administration, with no genuine effort to combat the menace.

The coalition said it was aligning with the ADC because of the party’s commitment to “fairness, inclusion, merit, and accountability.”

“We will give priority to knowledge, skills, youth participation, and the empowerment of women in all elective positions,” Jawa said.

He called on the people of Yobe and Nigeria at large to join the movement and support efforts to restore trust in governance.

“We are calling for a new direction in Yobe State and Nigeria—one that puts people first, restores confidence in leadership, and upholds justice, competence, and transparency in governance,” he said.

The coalition said it would soon unveil a roadmap and programmes to actualise its objectives ahead of the 2027 general elections.