ADC mocks APC over ’empty seats, rented crowd’ at Kaduna rally

…Alleges participants were paid between N50,000 and N100,000

…Faults Tinubu for blaming opposition leaders for economic hardship

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC), has mocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its Northwest zonal flag-off rally in Kaduna, alleging poor turnout, rented crowds and recycled campaign promises.

Kola Ologbondiyan, Director of Media and Publicity of the ADC campaign council in a statement on Saturday, said the rally at the Kaduna Township Stadium failed to demonstrate the ruling party’s political strength despite alleged mobilisation of supporters from across the Northwest.

“For a rally billed as the Northwest zonal flag-off, what we witnessed was a shameful spectacle. Despite the alleged mobilisation of crowds from across the zone and beyond, the stadium remained scantily filled, with empty seats everywhere,” he said.

He alleged that attendees were paid between N50,000 and N100,000 each, adding that the reception given to APC leaders’ speeches raised questions about the party’s popularity.

“You can rent a crowd, but you cannot rent acceptance,” Ologbondiyan said.

He also criticised President Bola Tinubu over the economic hardship Nigerians face, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidy, accusing the administration of shifting responsibility to opposition leaders.

Ologbondiyan said the APC had recycled promises made during the 2015, 2019 and 2023 election cycles, urging the ruling party to apologise to Nigerians.

“The message from Kaduna is loud and clear: Nigerians are saying ‘Ba mu yi’ to the APC and Tinubu,” he said. He predicted that voters would express their dissatisfaction at the 2027 polls.