By PRESIDENT of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, has lambasted the recently rebranded African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, dismissing its prominent figures as “a bunch of jokers” and questioning their relevance in the run-up to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the “TUC Half Hour” programme aired on Channels Television, Osifo spared no words as he expressed open contempt for the growing wave of political realignments, according to a report by iReporter Online.
“We are not part of the coalition,” he stated bluntly. “Since 1999, we’ve heard the same tired promises, yet the reality for ordinary Nigerians has barely improved.”
Osifo cast serious doubt on the credibility of the ADC’s leadership—which reportedly includes a former Vice President, a former Senate President, and ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi—accusing them of simply recycling political veterans without any intention of delivering meaningful change.
“Remember 2013? They told us a political messiah had arrived—that gave us the APC. And what became of that? Now they’ve slapped a new label on the same old crowd,” he said. “It’s just old wine in new bottles.”
He further challenged the track records of the coalition’s frontmen: “Someone was Vice President for eight years—what did he actually achieve? Another held the Senate Presidency—what groundbreaking legislation can he point to? And then there’s Amaechi. These men are just playing musical chairs. They are jokers, I dare say.”
Calling for a shift in political focus, Osifo urged Nigerians to look beyond personality cults and demand structural reforms. “If we’re serious about reclaiming this country, it won’t be through these recycled elites. Perhaps one or two of them still have some integrity, but that alone is not nearly enough.”
He called instead for far-reaching electoral reforms to ensure transparency and fairness. “We must push for a process where every vote truly counts. What we need are credible elections—not political theatrics.”
Turning to the economy, Osifo criticised the government’s narrative of growth, arguing that ordinary Nigerians are still grappling with rising inflation, stagnant wages, and job insecurity. He also warned that any future tax reforms must not place additional strain on already struggling citizens.
In closing, Osifo urged the public to stay alert and hold politicians accountable, no matter what banner they campaign under. “What we need is accountability, not distractions dressed as change,” he said.
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