- …says Atiku believes in collective victory
- …as party woos members, targets 2.3 million registered voters in Delta
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said the presence of Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has strengthened the party’s confidence nationwide.
Prof. Festus Arunaye, the ADC national member, Membership Revalidation, Mobilization and Registration Committee (MRMRC), stated this during the inauguration of the 10-member Delta State committee on membership registration on Friday in Asaba.
Arunaye said Peter Obi brought integrity, discipline, and strong economic understanding to the coalition, asserting that the former Anambra State Governor had brought excellence to the ADC.
The party chieftains stated, “Peter Obi is a man of integrity. He is a man who knows the running of the economy that is above average. Therefore, such a personality joining the coalition has given us, as a Mathematician, I don’t easily give people an A, an A— Excellent position.
“Some people are quick now; they are sick now because Obi has joined us.”
He also stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar supports a free, fair, and credible primary process and believes in collective victory, making the ADC a party to beat in the coming general elections.
He stated: “Also, I will tell you that Atiku Abubakar wants to right the wrongs, if he had done any wrong while he was the Vice President. Atiku has not condemned any other aspirants coming together to form the coalition.
“Atiku believes that they will all go to the primary, which will be free, fair, and credible, and that any person who wins, the ADC will work for that person. That is the goal and mission of our great party.”
Speaking to the party members in Delta, Prof. Arunaye said that following their inauguration, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party gave a clear directive: within 30 days, all states must submit interim reports on membership registration and financial accountability.
He said the directive was born out of the hard truth that for too long in Nigerian politics, party cards have been hoarded, sold, and weaponized by a few—at state, local government, and ward levels—while the ordinary party member was locked out.
He declared that that era ends now, noting that under the leadership of General David Mark (rtd.), a man of proven integrity, the ADC had drawn a red line against corruption, exclusion, and money-bag politics.
As part of the radical break from the past, Prof. Arunaye said party cards would no longer pass through middlemen such as the state, LG, or ward chairmen.
He stated that the 10-man Registration and Accountability Committee at each level would supervise distribution, insisting that no individual, no godfather, no structure could hijack the process.
The chieftain, who said the card is secure, state-specific, and tamper-proof, averred that each card carries five security features, both visible and invisible.
He said the cards are state-designed and state-crested—a Delta card cannot be used in Anambra or anywhere else, and that cards are released strictly based on verified state demand.
Prof. Arunaye said no one is authorized to collect money on behalf of the party, noting that payments are made electronically only, directly into a dedicated national deposit account.
He said this account is deposit-only—no withdrawals, adding that every member must personally obtain their card.
He stated: “Once payment is made, the member is instantly captured in the national database in Abuja. Every card issued is traceable, and every member is accounted for.
“Physical registration will be backed by electronic registration. An official ADC registration app—currently in advanced development—will be deployed within five days across all states and the FCT.
“This ensures: real-time verification, zero manipulation, and absolute transparency.”
Stressing the importance placed on the card, Prof. Arunaye said the ADC is a coalition of Nigerians from all walks of life—some wealthy, many not.
He clarified that money will not buy influence in ADC, saying that the billionaire and the villager will stand on equal footing.
“If you live in a remote village, you will have the same access to party membership as anyone in Abuja or Lagos. Your name, your payment, and your membership will count—nationally. This is how confidence is built.
This is how faith in democracy is restored,” he indicated.
He said the ADC’s movement is grassroots-driven and strategic, stressing that there will be banners in every ward, town criers in rural communities, direct engagement with the people, and clear communication of the party’s manifesto, while at the national level, the press has been fully prioritized to project ADC’s vision for a new Nigeria.
Prof. Arunaye said the ADC membership card costs ₦500, saying this is not a revenue scheme but a symbol of members’ commitment.
“ADC rejects the politics where party membership is treated as an investment expecting returns in cash or contracts. That mentality is the root of corruption, and ADC abhors corruption,” he said
Speaking on the state of the party, Prof. Arunaye clarified that there is no faction in the ADC, noting that the party is unified, focused, and moving forward.
On the party’s membership drive in Delta State, Arunaye said, based on population strength and political engagement, the ADC projects 2.3 million registered members in the state.
“This projection is realistic, verifiable, and achievable,” he stated.
He rationalized that the ADC is a people-oriented movement, stressing: “We are building a party that will deliver government of the people, by the people, and for the people—and we are doing it with transparency, courage, and conviction.”
