Professor Mohammed Gana Yisa, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Japan and ex-Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, has vowed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will not be allowed to rig the 2027 general elections.
Now a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Yisa spoke with Vanguard in Ilorin, where he revealed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has collapsed in Kwara State, while ADC is steadily mobilizing at the grassroots to take over.
He dismissed rumours suggesting President Bola Tinubu might cede Kwara to former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki in 2027, calling such claims “laughable and deceptive.”
Reflecting on his decision to leave the PDP, Yisa cited the party’s consistent electoral failures.
“In 2019, PDP only won one seat in the Kwara State House of Assembly. By 2023, it couldn’t secure even that and didn’t challenge the results in court,” he explained.
He added that the PDP has lost its electoral value, not only in performance but in leadership.
“After the 2023 elections, I engaged PDP leaders but found no hope. Internal sabotage and unresolved leadership disputes plagued the party. I could not wait for another disaster in 2027.”
Yisa ridiculed suggestions that President Tinubu plans to “hand over” Kwara to Saraki in 2027.
“Which politician gives victory to the opposition? PDP has failed twice in Kwara and hasn’t gone to court either time. Believing that Tinubu will just hand over the state is wishful thinking.”
Yisa said the ADC was chosen as a viable alternative to both APC and PDP.
“Since 2019, there’s been no real development in my constituency. ADC offers a fresh platform. We’ve started underground mobilization and are building coalitions across the state.”
He noted that former PDP leaders and members of other parties like the SDP and NNPP have quietly joined ADC, with plans to officially unveil the movement soon.
“The calibre of people joining ADC gives us confidence. Even members of the PDP state executive have crossed over.”
Yisa emphasized that worsening poverty and insecurity will be central to ADC’s 2027 campaign.
“Nigerians are poorer than ever. In Kwara, entire communities have fled due to insecurity. The people can no longer afford basic food. Farmers are afraid to go to their farms.”
He accused the APC-led federal government of deepening poverty through policies like fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the naira.
Yisa acknowledged the role of vote buying in past elections but urged citizens to reject the culture.
“Yes, they may give you N1,500 or N2,000 but is that worth four more years of suffering?” he asked.
He encouraged voters to collect any money offered but to vote with their conscience.
Asked about the possibility of electoral malpractice, Yisa was blunt:
“APC is already planning to rig. But this time, we are more vigilant. We’re developing counter-strategies to prevent rigging in 2027.”
Yisa drew parallels to the 2015 general elections when APC unseated the PDP at the federal level.
“It’s not easy to defeat an incumbent, but it can happen. A coalition of opposition forces is forming across Nigeria. The hardship under APC has created a national hunger for change and ADC is ready.”
While acknowledging the call for power to shift to Kwara North, Yisa said zoning is not yet a priority for the ADC.
“Our focus now is to build a solid, inclusive party. Zoning will be discussed once that foundation is in place.”
Yisa concluded with a strong appeal to the people of Kwara:
“Don’t be misled by empty promises. APC has failed to deliver. PDP has collapsed. There’s no agreement to hand over Kwara to anyone. ADC is mobilizing quietly, and we will soon emerge as the alternative Kwara needs.”
“By God’s grace, 2027 will not be business as usual.”
