The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ADC

  • ADC ex-presidential candidate, state chairmen disown Atiku, Mark

    ADC ex-presidential candidate, state chairmen disown Atiku, Mark

    …Atiku, others have bought “bad market “– Kachikwu

    …No room for geriatrics in ADC – Kachikwu

    The former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu and some state chairmen of the party have disowned former President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark, ex-Atiku Abubakar, Rauf Aregbesola for purportedly taking over the party.

    They said Atiku entered into an alliance with a former national chairman of the party, Ralph Nwosu, whose tenure expired in 2022.

    They said there are many cases in court on the leadership tussle in the party which have not been resolved.

    According to them, Atiku and other PDP defectors cannot build something on nothing because the alleged takeover of ADC was subjudice.

    They accused Atiku and others of buying “bad market” because ADC is in court with its past leadership which sold a dummy to them.

    They said ADC has no room for geriatrics who were defecting from PDP and other parties.

    Kachikwu, who made the position of the party known at a press briefing in Abuja, said it was laughable that ambitious defectors can hijack a party without recourse to the party’s constitution.

    Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved party leaders, Kachikwu said: “Dear ADC family and fellow Nigerians,

    It is with the greatest amusement that I watched the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar-led group announce their takeover of the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress. As is expected, I have been inundated with a lot of calls and messages seeking my reaction to the unfolding drama.

     “The facts of the matter are as follows: The Atiku-led group is in some form of alliance with the former leadership of the party led by Ralph Nwosu.

    “The tenure of the Nwosu-led executive lapsed on August 21, 2022, and his continued parade of himself as the chairman of the party was the subject of various litigations in different courts across the country.”

    He asked Atiku, Mark and others to answer some fundamental questions.

    He added: “From the foregoing, I want to then pose the following questions: Can you build something on nothing? Can you shave a man’s hair in his absence? Can you enter a man’s house through the back door and declare yourself the landlord? 

    Read Also: ADC stakeholders reject Aregbesola, attempted takeover of party

    “These yesterday’s men who represent a bad chapter in Nigeria’s past have bought a bad market from a man who represents a bad chapter in ADC’s past.

    “Nigerians have watched in amazement as this group of mostly geriatrics shopped around for a party to prosecute their ‘chopping must continue’ ambition.”

    Kachikwu condemned the desperation of opposition leaders for a platform for the 2027 poll.

     He said: “This further cements the opinion most hold that political parties in Nigeria stand for nothing and will fall for anything.

    “They have told us that they are fighting for the rights of ordinary Nigerians and that they are on a rescue mission but what is confusing to the Nigerians they want to rescue is that these men made up of a former vice president, former governors, ministers and political office holders are the same people who have presided over the affairs of this nation for the past four decades. 

    “We have nothing to show for their decades of leadership other than being seen as a nation divided by tribe and religion and thriving in mediocrity.

    “We are a nation lacking in the basics whose majority are poor but here we are watching those who set our nation on fire saying they are the fire brigade.

    “No, you are not; you are a bunch of greedy and selfish old men who believe that political power is your birthright.

    “You stand for nothing other than your interests and will pay any price to hold political office.”

    He said ADC and Nigerians have no room for geriatrics again.

    “Nigerians are tired of your generation and reject everything you have to offer, which is nothing. Nigerians yearn for new names, new faces, fresh ideas and progressive ideals.

    “We yearn for a new Nigeria that thrives on meritocracy and de-emphasises tribe and religion. We dream of a nation that works for all Nigerians irrespective of region or religion.

    “We want a nation whose laws and opportunities are equal to all men. We desire inclusiveness for all and social protections for the weak amongst us.

    “Nigerians have never asked for much other than a leadership that truly cares. You have failed us and stand rejected by us,” he said.

     Kachikwu asked potential defectors to ADC to follow the due process.

    He said, “If you seek to be a part of the ADC, do the proper thing and come through the front door.

    ‘We are a party of decent and well-behaved people. Our brand of opposition is one that not only opposes but also proposes, something that your group is not conversant with.

     “I strongly suspect that you will be shopping for another party very soon, and as you do that, we, the members of the African Democratic Congress, wish you Bon Voyage. Thank you and God bless.”

  • ROLL CALL: Atiku, El-Rufai, Malami, Tambuwal, others attend ADC coalition unveiling

    ROLL CALL: Atiku, El-Rufai, Malami, Tambuwal, others attend ADC coalition unveiling

    The formal unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) adopted by the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement is currently ongoing.

    The coalition unveiling is currently taking place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

    The ADC is being positioned as the adopted platform for a new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The gathering includes figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the LP.

    Read Also: Atiku, Mark, Tambuwal, Secondus, Egbu, others head for ADC

    Those in attendance include: Former Governors Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Rotimi Amaechi and Aminu Tambuwal; Dino Melaye; Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Osun.

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Peter Obi; Nasir El-Rufai; Abubakar Malami, immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation; John Oyegun, former Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC); Ireti Kingibe, lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra Central.

    Also present are Solomon Dalung, former minister of youth and sports; Dele Momodu, a media personality; and Gabriel Suswam, former senator.

    David Mark, a former Senate president, led other members of the coalition into the hall.

    Other political bigwigs are also in attendance.

  • BREAKING: ADC unveils David Mark, Aregbesola as new leaders

    BREAKING: ADC unveils David Mark, Aregbesola as new leaders

    The national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has stepped down and announced that former Senate President, David Mark, will be the new interim national chairman.

    He also announced that former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, will be the national secretary of the party.

    Read Also: ADC stakeholders reject Aregbesola, attempted takeover of party

    Nwosu stated that the journey toward adopting the [text] spanned over 18 months and involved 12 meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Working Committee (NWC) convened by the coalition’s leadership.

    In attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, and other leaders.

    Details shortly…

  • ADC stakeholders reject Aregbesola, attempted takeover of party

    ADC stakeholders reject Aregbesola, attempted takeover of party

    Tensions are rising within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as key party stakeholders have rejected the emergence of former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s Interim National Secretary. 

    The controversy is linked to ongoing coalition efforts aimed at uniting opposition forces in Nigeria.

    In a statement on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Musa Isa Matara, led a faction of the party in condemning what they described as an “unauthorised attempt” to impose Aregbesola and hijack the party’s leadership structure.

    Matara emphasised that while the ADC supports alliances and reforms, it rejects imposition and power grabs disguised as progress. 

    He cautioned against what he called “revolutionary rhetoric masking elite interests,” noting that no legitimate party process had ratified Aregbesola’s appointment.

    According to the statement, Aregbesola’s installation was not approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), State chairpersons, or any of its duly elected national officers. 

    The stakeholders argued that the move bypasses due process and undermines internal party democracy.

    They also took issue with claims that the ADC now serves as the platform for a new opposition coalition, saying that such a declaration is premature and lacks the consent of the majority of party members.

    “The ADC is not anyone’s bargaining chip. Any merger or coalition built on shaky legal and constitutional ground will only lead to further instability,” the statement reads.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Rauf Aregbesola agrees to serve as ADC interim secretary

    The stakeholders warned that ongoing legal issues stemming from the 2023 general elections are yet to be resolved in court, making the current attempt to force a political merger legally questionable and politically reckless.

    They further alleged that some individuals within the party were working to hand over control to outsiders for personal gain, warning prospective members of the risks involved in joining under the current circumstances.

    “ADC is owned by its grassroots members, not political dealmakers..The integrity and sovereignty of the party cannot be traded for convenience or expediency,” the party said.

    The statement signals deepening internal divisions that could derail broader efforts to unite opposition parties ahead of future elections.

  • JUST IN: Rauf Aregbesola agrees to serve as ADC interim secretary

    JUST IN: Rauf Aregbesola agrees to serve as ADC interim secretary

    Ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola has agreed to serve as the Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Aregbesola explained that he agreed to serve because Nigeria’s political scene is dominated by parties lacking clear ideological direction.

    On his verified Facebook page, Aregbesola stated that most existing political parties are mere hollow structures that merge and split not based on policy or principle, but on the pursuit of power and personal interests.

    He said: “ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY OGBENI RAUF  AREGBESOLA ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS THE INTERIM NATIONAL SECRETARY, ADC – The party platform adopted by the National Opposition Coalition Group – Tuesday, 1st July, 2025

    “Dear Party Leaders, Distinguished Members, Friends, and Fellow Citizens,

    “It is with deep humility, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering hope for our people, nation, race and party and that I accept the appointment as  The National Secretary of our great party.

    “I thank the leadership for the trust reposed in me. But more than that, I thank every committed member of this party and those who still believe that politics can be a force for good;  people who believe that parties form government and must control it; those who believe in the supremacy of the party in a democracy and all products of democratic contests; those who recognise that parties must stand for and with the people in the promotion of their interests and aspirations; that parties therefore are not merely machines for winning elections but institutions for mobilizing, organizing, energizing, educating, empowering and encouraging the people towards their emancipation and development.

    “Let me begin by saying this: a political  party is not a platform for opportunism. It is not a mere vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambition. A political party, in its truest form, is a living institution built on values, guided by ideals and accountable to the people it seeks to serve.

    “Throughout Africa’s history and particularly in the legacy of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, a 113-year behemoth of party organization that is impeccable in its credibility as a model of supremacy of party over its creation (government and popularly elected officials) have seen what a party grounded in ideology, principle, and people-centered struggle can achieve. 

    The ANC  is not perfect, but it stands  for something. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, inclusivity of all interests and true freedom. It has character. It has soul. It is therefore a true platform for the expression of their aspirations.

    “Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political parties. Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth. They are empty shells merging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality. There is little regard for the people, and even less for the country.

    “That is not the kind of party we must be. That is not the kind of party I will serve. As The National Secretary, I will work to build a party that has a clear ideological compass, a party that is absolutely committed to the people,  rooted in democratic values, rule of law, social justice, accountability, transparency and national development. A party that listens and works for to the people, not only during elections, but every single day.

    “We must become an institution where:

     (1) Internal democracy is not just preached but practiced.

     (2) Intra-party competition is transparent, fair, and just.

     (3) All party structures from the ward to the national level and function effectively and efficiently.

     (4) Young people, women, and the marginalized have a real voice, not symbolic inclusion.

            (5) All special and critical interests (security, educators, farmers, workers, women, youth, professionals, people with special needs, etc. must be recognised and allowed to have autonomous structures within the party.

    Read Also: Rauf Aregbesola Discourse: From Governance to Big Development

    “We will model international best practices in party organization, administration, and ethics. We will study what works, from South Africa to Sweden, from Chile to Kenya and adapt to them into what fits our local reality. Discipline, order, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define us.

    “We must be the party that talks about public education and actually builds schools. That speaks of security and supports real policies to keep our communities safe. That believes in jobs and works to create them. That stands for Nigeria not just during elections, but in everyday governance.

    “This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done.

    “I ask for your support not just in words, but in action. Hold me accountable. Challenge me when I stray. And stand with me as we begin this journey to rebuild our party, restore its soul, and return politics to its rightful place – as a service to the people. Thank you, and may our work ahead be worthy of the hopes our people place in us.”

  • ADC threatens legal battle against Soludo, Obi over N3 trillion LG funds, IGR in 20 years

    ADC threatens legal battle against Soludo, Obi over N3 trillion LG funds, IGR in 20 years

    …rejects planned Sept 28 council polls

    The National Chairman of the African Democratic  Congress (ADC), Chief Ralphs Okey-Nwosu, has threatened to commence legal action against the Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, and former governor, Mr. Peter Obi, over the local government fund not less than three trillion naira from the federation account to local governments.

    The action, he said, would equally include other past governors for allegedly mismanaging Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the last 20 years in the state.

     Nwosu also rejected the date of the planned local government elections in the 21 councils of the State by Soludo and his cronies, scheduled for 28 September 2024.

    AD, made this known to reporters in Awka at the weekend while revealing that it was the usual practice not to conduct local government elections to pave the way for a governor to put his lackeys as local government administrators.

     The ADC helmsman said more than a trillion naira were allegedly misused by the governors within the reviewed period 

    Read Also; Acquiescent National Assembly not helping democracy

    According to him, “The recklessness must stop; that a governor with an economic background doesn’t want democracy to thrive at the local government area level. They must not do the 28th September 2024 Local Government level.     

    “It’s really condemnable that somebody as learned as Governor Soludo is running away from democracy. The best is to call for a collaborative meeting of stakeholders to iron issues out.

    “If Soludo goes the way he’s doing, the local government system will derail, look at the audacity of state governors to oppose the direct remittance allocations from the centre to the councils.”      

    Nwosu, also, attributed the amendment and haste to conduct the council polls to a purported pecuniary interest in the federal allocations to the councils. “The governors have been intolerant. They don’t want the local government system of administration to succeed.”     

    Nwosu said, under the Inter-party Action Committee (IPAC) at the national and State levels, “we’re going to consolidate our support for the move and appeal to the President to sign the bill into law necessitating the direct transfer of allocations from the federation account directly to the council coffers. 

     “IPAC will challenge the newly-inserted clauses in the just-amended local government elections law and ensure the reversal of the Anambra State Electoral (Amendment No.2), 2024.”   

    The party leader faulted one of the newly inserted clauses in the Constitution which barred national chairman of political parties from dealing with issues affecting their parties in the council elections  

     “We’re supporting the National Assembly (NASS), and other actors with political will in this move to save and revive the local government system to its responsibilities, and that is why Anambra State Government is rushing to conduct council elections so as to claim that the State had concluded its elections before the law came into force.

    “APGA is scared of losing the governorship election coverage 2025, hence “the party has resorted to arm-twisting tactics to use the conduct of the council polls to capture all the 21 local government areas, and use them as a launch pad to secure a second term in the next governorship election.” Nwosu said.

  • ADC woos opposition parties for coalition

    ADC woos opposition parties for coalition

    The  Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) has open talks  with  22 opposition parties to form a coalition.

    This was disclosed by its  National Chairman , Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, at a news conference  at the ADC Global Campus in Abuja.

    Stakeholders who were at the  meeting included members of National Working Committee (NWC) and the Board of Trustees  (BOT) as well as other  leaders.

    Nwosu said doors of the merging parties remained open, adding that the new platform  will  accommodate  all well-meaning patriots in the country.

    Read Also; Paris 2024: Amusan, Brume may each win amazing N62.2 million

    “We have resolved to work with all political leaders that appreciate the need for coming together for a new Nigeria.

    “We discriminate against none; our commitment is a new Nigeria that will lead our dear continent out of its present abyss,” he said.

    Nwosu  added that a  committee has been set up to woo more elements into the proposed party.

    “We certainly need a new beginning. Pointing fingers of recrimination is not what transformational leaders do. Twenty two  political parties have joined hands with the ADC to build a new mega party.

    ‘The state of the nation is somehow. Therefore, instead of wasting our time engaging in futile debates, we should continue to strategise on ways to develop a new political system and come together to create a collaborative, value-driven ecosystem that prioritizes our people and country,” he said.

  • ADC governorship candidate declares support for Ododo

    ADC governorship candidate declares support for Ododo

    The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State, Leke Abejide, on Sunday, visited Governor Yahaya Bello, to congratulate him for the peaceful conduct of the election and wish him well in his future endeavours as he prepares to hand over to the Governor-elect in a few days.

    Abejide, who is currently representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, commended Governor Bello for what he described as his notable achievements during his administration and declared his support for the Governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, during the visit.

    Read Also: 2024 our years of redemption, Ododo tells Nigerians

    The ADC candidate, who was received by Governor Bello and Governor-elect, Ododo, noted that it was the right of every citizen of constitutional qualification to run for an election but that when the result is declared and a winner has emerged, that should mark the end of politics.

    He said all candidates in the November 11 governorship election were qualified Kogi citizens but that only one could be elected and that was the person God had chosen at that time, adding that he would support Ododo to succeed in the interest of the people of Kogi State.

    “Let me congratulate my brother, Ododo, the governor-elect of our dear state once again. We all ran a good race and we also believe that at the end of it, only one candidate will emerge and we have Ododo as that candidate today. My participation in politics is about the people and once elections are over, all issues around it must be put behind to forge a progressive administration.

    “The interest of our people supercedes that of individuals. I will support Ahmed Usman Ododo to succeed in the interest of our people,” he said.

  • Kogi indigenes in Kwara adopt ADC candidate

    Kogi indigenes in Kwara adopt ADC candidate

    Ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State, indigenes of the state resident in Kwara state have endorsed the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Leke Abejide.

    Accordingly, the people have set an agenda of job provision and rehabilitation of Ilorin-Kabba road for the candidate if elected as governor of the state.

    Leaders of Okun, Ebira and Igala ethnic and youths spoke this in Ilorin, Kwara State capital when Hon Abejide campaign train came calling on Kogi residents in Kwara.

    In their separate remarks at the event, they said that they were unanimous in their support and loyalty for the ADC governorship candidate.

    They pledged to mobilize for the actualization of Hon Abejide’s dream of becoming the next Kogi State governor.

    Speaking on behalf of Ebiras, Salihu Abdulaziz said that “Kogites are united with priority and concern for development of Kogi State. All we want is progress and development of our people. We suffer discrimination of many sorts here as we are looked upon as second class citizens. Home is home. We want you to help us give Kogi better services that would lead to greater development. We also want you to help us fight injustice in the state.”

    Read Also: Kogi wins fiscal transparency, accountability award again

    The Igala leader Omede Adamu told the governorship hopeful that “If elected, we urge you to facilitate the rehabilitation of Ilorin-Kabba highway for us. We implore you to make provision of jobs for our teeming graduates a priority.

    Leader of Kogi youth in Kwara State, Malik Ojo assured the ADC governorship candidate of unalloyed support.

    He described Abejide as a game changer that had come to upturn the political calculus of Kogi State.

    Responding, Abejide, who is currently House of Representatives Chair on Customs and Excise announced a plan to set aside N2 billion interest-free soft loan for women in the state if elected.

    He added that women empowerment has a multiplying effect on the larger population of any society.

    “When you empower a woman, you have bettered the lives of a multitude because a woman would not see her family members suffer when she is capable of effecting positive change in their lives.

    “The N2 billion micro credit soft loan would be purposely set aside for women in the state to help improve their socioeconomic lives with no interest immediately I’m elected governor”, he said.

  • BREAKING: ADC expels presidential candidate, seven others

    BREAKING: ADC expels presidential candidate, seven others

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expelled its presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu and seven other chieftains over alleged anti-party activities barely 12 days to kick off of campaigns for the 2023 general elections.

    The presidential candidate, who has been on suspension since September 3, was finally expelled with seven others by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) after review of the report of a seven-man disciplinary panel set up to look into the allegations of gross misconduct, anti-party activities and gross violations of the Constitution amongst others leveled against him and others.

    The decision of the party’s NWC was contained in a statement by the National Chairman of the party, Mr. Ralphs Okey Nwosu in Abuja on Saturday.

    The statement reads: “The seven-man Disciplinary Panel set up by the African Democratic Congress, ADC to look into the allegations of gross misconduct, antiparty activities and gross violations of the Party’s constitution amongst others leveled against Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu and others, sat on the 8th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 13th and 14th of September respectively and submitted its report formally to the leadership of the party on the 15th of September 2022.

    “The panel found Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu and others guilty of the allegation leveled against them, subsequently in accordance with article 15 of the party’s constitution recommended that Mr.Dumebi Kachikwu and others be expelled from the party.

    “The NWC met on the 16th of September 2022 to deliberate on the report and accepted the report of the Panel with modification.

    “Consequently, the following individuals are hereby expelled from the Party: Dumebi Kachikwu, Kingsley Oggah, Bello Isiyaka, Kabiru Hussain, Kennedy Odion, Musa Hassan, Clement Ehiator and Alaka Godwin William.”

    Read Also: 2023: ADC suspends Presidential candidate Kachikwu

     

    The party chairman further stated: “With this development, the party has taken strategic steps to clean its stable and determined to move into reckoning across the country. NWC urged all the candidates and members to focus on the 2023 general election, while rededicating themselves to the ideals of the party.”

    The NWC commended members of the disciplinary panel for the courage and commitment shown in the quality of their work and called on all its members to remain focused and continue to be good ambassadors of ADC.