Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has advised leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to focus on convincing Nigerian voters ahead of the 2027 presidential election instead of seeking political validation or intervention from foreign governments and institutions.
Sani made the remarks in a post on his X account on Wednesday, amid growing political exchanges between the opposition and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The former senator specifically urged ADC leaders and its presidential candidates to direct their attention towards grassroots mobilisation, policy communication and winning the confidence of Nigerians.
He argued that opposition politicians should explain clearly how their policies would differ from those of the current administration and what they intend to do if elected.
Sani’s comments come amid renewed controversy surrounding efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s camp to draw international attention to issues relating to Tinubu’s past and administration.
Atiku’s camp reportedly engaged a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., under a 12-month agreement valued at about $1.2 million. Documents filed with the United States Department of Justice indicated that the firm was hired to promote Atiku’s interests within US policy circles and respond to narratives associated with the Nigerian government.
The move triggered criticism from the Presidency, which accused Atiku of attempting to take domestic political disagreements beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The controversy also centred on a long-standing US civil forfeiture matter involving Tinubu, with Atiku-linked lobbyists reportedly drawing the attention of US officials and lawmakers to the issue.
Atiku’s camp has defended its position, maintaining that matters concerning the President’s past should remain open to public scrutiny. His aide, Paul Ibe, had also argued that Nigerians deserved access to relevant information surrounding the US case.
Sani’s intervention comes as political activities for the 2027 general election intensify.
President Tinubu is seeking another term, while Atiku is preparing to contest under the ADC after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The opposition remains divided despite previous efforts to establish a united platform capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ADC has attracted several prominent politicians and emerged as one of the major opposition platforms ahead of the election. However, the party has also faced internal disputes and legal challenges concerning its leadership and status.
Sani’s position effectively calls on the opposition to prioritise domestic political engagement over international lobbying.
He maintained that the outcome of the 2027 election will ultimately be determined by Nigerian voters, making grassroots support, credible policies and direct engagement with citizens more important than seeking influence from Washington, Brussels or other foreign capitals.
