In a bold step toward reshaping Nigeria’s political scene, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been unveiled as the coalition platform to challenge the status quo, with former Senate President David Mark appointed as interim Chairman, alongside Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as Secretary and Bolaji Abdullahi as Public Relations Officer. Political strategist and former Kano gubernatorial candidate Saliu Tanko Yakasai describes the move as “formidable,” praising the coalition’s strategic decision to leverage the ADC while maintaining a foothold in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “The team and platform look strong. Applying the Wike card—staying in PDP while building ADC—is a masterstroke. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander,” says Yakasai.
To sustain this momentum, Yakasai urges an aggressive nationwide campaign. “They must launch a massive awareness drive—billboards, banners, and posters nationwide. Catchy jingles, a memorable party song, and flooding social media with the ADC logo are critical. These efforts must start now,” he emphasized.
Yakasai, a seasoned political communicator, sees the ADC as a vital force for democracy. With the PDP, LP struggling to hold the All Progressives Congress (APC) accountable, he believes the ADC’s emergence could provide the necessary checks and balances. “A robust opposition like ADC will push the APC to deliver better governance,” he noted.
Yakasai, a seasoned political communicator, sees the ADC as a vital force for democracy. With the PDP, LP struggling to hold the All Progressives Congress (APC) accountable, he believes the ADC’s emergence could provide the necessary checks and balances. “A robust opposition like ADC will push the APC to deliver better governance,” he noted.
Who is Saliu Tanko Yakasai?
A dynamic political figure, Saliu Tanko Yakasai, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) gubernatorial candidate in Kano, brings a wealth of experience to his commentary. Born and raised in Kano, Yakasai’s educational journey began at Magwan Special Primary School (1983–1988), followed by Kano Capital Junior Secondary School and Crescent International School. He holds a Diploma in French Language from Alliance Française Kano, a Diploma in Corporate Management Studies from the School of Management Studies, Kano, and both a Professional and Advanced Diploma in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano. Furthering his credentials, Yakasai earned an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School in 2019 and a BSc in Mass Communication from the National Open University of Nigeria (2014–2021).
Yakasai’s political career began at 24, when he joined the All Peoples Party (APP) in 2000, contesting for a councilor position. He later served as a Legislative Aide to a House of Representatives member (2003–2007) and held roles in the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). His strategic acumen earned him appointments in the Buhari Presidential Campaign Councils under both CPC and APC. Professionally, Yakasai has excelled as a marketing executive, media presenter at Freedom Radio Kano, and Senior Media Marketing Consultant. From 2016 to 2021, he served as Director General, Media & Publicity, and later Special Adviser, Media & Communications, to Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Happily married with children, Yakasai’s deep political insight and communication expertise position him as a key voice in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. With the ADC’s bold moves, he believes the stage is set for a stronger, more accountable democracy.
Yakasai’s political career began at 24, when he joined the All Peoples Party (APP) in 2000, contesting for a councilor position. He later served as a Legislative Aide to a House of Representatives member (2003–2007) and held roles in the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). His strategic acumen earned him appointments in the Buhari Presidential Campaign Councils under both CPC and APC. Professionally, Yakasai has excelled as a marketing executive, media presenter at Freedom Radio Kano, and Senior Media Marketing Consultant. From 2016 to 2021, he served as Director General, Media & Publicity, and later Special Adviser, Media & Communications, to Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Happily married with children, Yakasai’s deep political insight and communication expertise position him as a key voice in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. With the ADC’s bold moves, he believes the stage is set for a stronger, more accountable democracy.
