BY SAM OTUONYE
There were political fireworks Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) political super weights trounced the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over gross misrule, mass poverty, insecurity, and the antics of cornering Governors as a sure plug towards winning 2027 elections.
At the book launch of the party’s national Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, titled: The Loyalist, the bigwigs of the party took turns to berate the ruling APC government, insisting that the upcoming 2027 elections would be a total departure from the 2023 experience.
Firing the first salvo was Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Oyo State. In an unrestrained eloquence, he thrashed the wooing of Governors by the APC to achieve victory, insisting that the ploy will not save them from being defeated come 2027.
He said: “That 30 Governors join a party does not it undefeatable. The result of the SouthEast and SouthWest in 2023 elections punctured the argument that governors determine the electoral success of any party.”
He challenged the ruling APC government to show their strength and popularity in a free and fair elections.
“If the party to which the Governors are defecting is too sure let them compete in a free and fair electoral process and see what will be the result of the election.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was the Special Guest of Honour, berated the APC government for the bastardization of the democratic institution, stressing that not even in a military democracy has it happened.
“This government is the worst administration not even the military democracy has bastardized our democracy like this administration has done.”
Commenting on the book, The Loyalty, and its essence, Atiku commended the author on squeezing time out of his schedules to put together the masterpiece memoir. He reflected on his experience in been loyal to duty and authorities, stating that he has suffered for loyalty, as it has made him go on exile and assassination attempts meted on his life. “We pay price for loyalty,” he submitted.
Rauf Aregbesola who expressed his unreserved commendation on the author, counseled that loyalty must be paid to a course but not personality.
Former Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, described loyalty as an appreciation that must be shown to who one is loyal to at all times no matter any odds. “Loyalty is appreciation to the end,” he noted.
The former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who was the book presenter, commending the author, described him as a higher flyer and one of Nigeria and Africa’s best minds.
The convener and author of the book, The Loyalist: a memoir of service and sacrifice, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, reflected on how difficult it is to manuovre and meander through thick and thin in a bid to be loyal to bosses.
Abdullahi, who noted that the book took him six years to publish, narrated how his career ran onto a brick wall in an attempt to balance loyalty. He said that former President Goodluck Jonathan fired him as Minister of Sports in an attempt to juggle loyalty between him and his former boss, Dr Bukola Saraki.
The event was graced by eminent personalities including; the ADC Chairman, Senator David Mark, Mr. Peter Obi, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the book reviewer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, the Chief launcher, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Liyel Imo
ke, and a host of other dignitaries.