The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has applauded the recent adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by a broad opposition coalition, describing it as a positive step for Nigeria’s democracy and a necessary counterweight to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to journalists on Saturday after casting his vote in the Lagos State local government elections at Polling Unit 014, Elizabeth Fowler Memorial High School in Surulere, Gbajabiamila stressed the importance of a strong opposition in any functioning democracy.

“It’s a welcome development with the coalition. In every democracy, we must have some level of opposition otherwise we’ll run into a one-party state. It’s not the first time we’re seeing this. It’s good for democracy. But I’m not sure where it would go,” he said.

His comments come in the wake of a significant political shift earlier this month, when key opposition leaders formally adopted the ADC as a unified platform to challenge the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The move was marked by a symbolic transition of leadership, with long-time ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu handing over party membership cards to former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who now serve as interim national chairman and secretary, respectively.

Present at the landmark coalition meeting were prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi; former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi; and other notable politicians such as Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, Solomon Dalung, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Emeka Ihedioha, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar. Politicians from the PDP, Labour Party, and SDP also participated, signalling a growing alliance around the ADC.

Gbajabiamila also spoke on the conduct of the Lagos local government elections, describing the process as peaceful but expressing concern about the low voter turnout.

“So far, I’ve seen peace, I’ve seen quiet, I’ve seen free and fair election. A little bit disappointed about the turnout which is where we need to work on,” he said.

He emphasised the critical importance of local government elections, often overlooked by voters, noting that they have a more direct impact on citizens’ daily lives than national polls.

“Perhaps because people don’t understand fully the importance of local government elections, which is even more important than any other election. We need to sensitise our people. We need to educate them about the importance of grassroots government,” Gbajabiamila concluded.