…demand transparency, grassroots involvement
Opposition is intensifying against the unilateral move by the Ralph Nwosu faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to hand over the party’s leadership to a coalition led by former Senate President David Mark, as State leaders denounced the move as a brazen hijack of the party.
They faulted the controversial coalition deal, which they say was executed without the knowledge, consent, or involvement of the party’s elected executives and grassroots structures.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Dr. Musa Isa Matara, the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, alongside several State and Zonal Chairmen, Secretaries, youth and women leaders, including Dr. Etimbuk Umoh, Acting Chairman of Akwa Ibom; Hon. Alakubaju Williams, Chairman of Nasarawa State; Musa Usman, Chairman of Niger State; Abubakar Ibrahim, Secretary of Kwara State; Comrade Stephen Baba Shaidu, North Central Youth Leader; Peter Sunday, Youth Leader of Benue State, clarified that they were not opposed to new members joining the party through a coalition.
However, they strongly objected to what they described as the flawed and non-inclusive process that accompanied the recent developments.
They argued that excluding the party’s grassroots structures contradicts the core intentions of the Sen. David Mark-led coalition, as those at the base of the party were not carried along in the decision-making process.
They also questioned the legitimacy of the purported resignation of the entire party’s executive committee, describing it as a development that should prompt serious reflection among Nigerians.
“The purpose of this gathering is not to condemn the idea of coalition. Coalitions can strengthen democracy. But the process must be transparent and must carry along the party’s structures from polling units to the national level. That was not done here,” Matara said.
He stated clearly that the ADC remains an active political party with full structures across the country and that no executive member has resigned as claimed by coalition supporters.
“We built this party with our own hands, using our resources, and we won’t let anyone who joined just yesterday come in and declare themselves leaders.
“Some were issued party membership cards on the same day they were named interim chairmen. That’s not democracy,” he stressed.
Highlighting their loyalty to the party’s values, the group said they had turned down invitations from other political parties during the 2023 elections, choosing instead to stick with ADC.
“In my state, politicians offered me incentives to defect, but I stayed because ADC represents something bigger, a belief in grassroots politics, youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, and the rights of persons with disabilities,” Matara said.
Highlighting why ADC youthfulness and grassroots structure became the toast of the old politicians, Matara, among several instances, cited his participation in the 2023 elections, saying, “I contested for a House of Representatives seat and came third.
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“ADC came fifth in the presidential poll. That’s because of the structures we built across Nigeria.”
The group also pointed out that they did not know the so-called 30-70 coalition sharing formula, alleging that no official document was ever presented to validate the arrangement.
“They talk about a 30-70 sharing agreement, but there is no signed document. We were never informed of any template or modalities, the coalition was forced on us,” maintaining that the way forward is to first resolve internal party issues before considering any external alliances.
“We can’t build on quicksand. Let us put our house in order before talking about mergers or coalitions. Otherwise, the entire structure will collapse,” he added
The group, however, reiterated their willingness to welcome new members but insisted it must be through the proper process, noting, “You don’t walk into someone’s house and ask them to leave. You’re welcome to join, but don’t try to displace those who built it.”
Responding to questions about possible legal steps, Matara said they would rely on due process and legal frameworks to protect the party.
“We are law-abiding citizens. We will follow the ADC constitution, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Electoral Act. We will not act outside the law, but we will not be silent either,” he asserted.
They accused the coalition proponents of attempting to erase the contributions of long-time party members by bringing in outsiders to assume leadership roles overnight.
“We’re not against growth or unity, but it must be built on mutual respect and inclusion, not imposition,” one youth leader said.
The group called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clarify the current leadership status of ADC and dismiss any claims suggesting mass resignations by elected party officials.
“ADC is not a social club or a tool for recycling failed politicians; it is a political institution with a distinct ideology. We will defend its legacy, its members, and its structures,” Matara emphasised.
Other State chieftains, who spoke in solidarity, described the coalition as a deliberate attempt to override existing structures built over the years by dedicated members.
“They had their time in public office. Now they’re trying to sneak into ADC through the back door. Is that the kind of change Nigerians want?
Comrade Stephen Baba Shaidu, the North Central Youth Leader, said party members have sacrificed time, energy, and personal resources for years, and they deserve to be part of any future decisions regarding the party’s direction.
“Does it mean we sacrificed for nothing? We won’t sit back and let years of commitment and sweat be erased. We deserve to be carried along, not sidelined,” he noted.
He added that ADC had operated transparently for over 20 years and should not be derailed by elite interests.
“The ideology of ADC is built on inclusion and justice. The people must remain at the centre of any decision,” he added.