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Tag: ADC

  • ADC gives automatic ticket to 118 legislators

    Ahead of the general election, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rewarded 118 federal and state legislators, who joined the party, with automatic ticket.

    It planned to nominate its presidential candidate on October 6.

    National Chairman Chief Ralph’s Nwosu, who disclosed this at the National Executive Committee meeting of the party in Abuja, said the party decided to reward the lawmakers for coming out boldly “to identify with the fastest growing party in Nigeria, the ADC, at this crucial time in the history of our country.”

    He said among those to benefit from the ticket are five senators, 18 members of the House of Representatives and 95 members of Houses of Assembly.

  • ‘We are ready for Ondo Council Polls’

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ondo state has expressed its willingness to participate in the December 1, local government polls in the state.

    Its Chairman, Bisi Ogungbemi disclosed this at the end of the party ‘s Congress and election of new executives held on Monday at the party’s secretariat in Akure.

    Other elected members of the executive were Obakpolor Jephter,Secretary, Adewi Samuel, Treasurer and Omoegun Adams as financial secretary among others.

    Ogunbemi said ADC was participating in the election to win and defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state

    He expressed the readiness of the ADC to take over the mantle of leadership in the state, stressing that the current government in Ondo state has failed woefully.

    According to him,”We are ready to dislodge the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu government because the government lacks vision, focus and zeal to turn the state around.

    ” Since Akeredolu took over, nothing seems to be working. The health and education sector remain in shambles. He is paying lip service to infrastructural development”, he added

    He also assured members of the party that a level playing field would be provided for the aspirants vying for elective positions in the party.

    He pointed out, “There is no automatic ticket for any aspirant in our party, ” they must all slug it out in line with the constitution of the party”

    He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to find a lasting solution to voters’ inducement which is gradually affecting the nation’s electoral system

    The ADC chairman and other executives who emerged through a voice vote warned that if the trend is not urgently addressed, Nigeria will be turned into a banana republic where criminals would take the center stage of governance.

    He further urged the electoral body to do everything possible to ensure voting buying is not allowed in the September the 23rd governorship election in Osun state.

  • ADC appoints spokesman, others

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed officials to pilot its affairs.

    It said this is part of efforts to reposition it and prepare it to compete favourably with others for elective positions in the coming general election.

    In a statement by the National Chairman, Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, ADC announced the appointment of Mrs. Yemi Kolapo as the national publicity secretary. The former National Publicity Secretary, Chief Anayo Arinze, was appointed as the National Coordinator, Electoral Matters and INEC Liaison.

    The party also appointed Dr. Chike Okogwu as the deputy national chairman, Strategy, Innovation and Change; Justina Abanida, a lawyer, as deputy national legal adviser and Comrade Abdul Ogar, who became the deputy national treasurer.

    The statement said the reorganisation was in line with the party’s commitment to develop a sustainable political platform to serve as a model in the country that would produce credible leaders, who would take Nigeria to its preferred destination.

    The statement said the National Coordinator, Electoral Matters and INEC Liaison is expected to use his experience to guard electoral matters and INEC relations to ensure that the ADC leverages on its present position as party of choice to ensure electoral gains.

    It said since winning elections was the ultimate goal of any party, Chief Anayo’s deep knowledge “will serve the party and country well at this stage.

    “We are certain that these party leaders are perfect fits and will use their wealth of experience to build an inclusive and virile political platform all members and Nigerians will be proud of and enthusiastic to be part of.

  • DSS invasion treasonable, say Makarfi, ADC, ADP

    FORMER People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Chairman Senator Ahmed Makarfi and African Democratic Congress (ADC) said yesterday that the invasion of the National Assembly by operatives of the Directorate of State Services (DSS) was treasonable.

    They said the former DSS Director-General, Lawal Daura, should be arrested and tried for treason.

    Similarly, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) also condemned the action of the security agents and asked the international community to denounce the siege, which it said was an apparent move to instigate the impeachment of the Senate leadership.

    Makarfi, in a statement issued by his media aide, Murktar Sirajo, said such an act should not be allowed to go unpunished, describing it as a treasonable offence against the present democratic government.

    The statement reads: “The siege on the National Assembly by armed personnel of the DSS is yet another unfortunate scene in the theatre of the absurd that Nigeria’s democracy is being turned into by elements that seem to have lost it.

    “Senator Makarfi is pained at the news of this yet another assault on the legislature, which is an independent arm of government with constitutionally guaranteed powers and also one which has rules to guide its conducts and activities.

    “That constitutionally guaranteed independence must, therefore, be respected by allowing it run on its own rules, including the ones that guide how leadership emerge and are sustained.

    “To send armed men to deny access to the legislators into the legislative house, for whatever reason, is the height of impunity and desecration; it, in fact, is treasonable for which all connected with must be made to answer to the law.

    “Senator Makarfi, therefore, once again condemns this wanton assault on the legislature and identifies with the leadership as well as the entire members of the National Assembly at this very trying time that requires steadfastness, courage and total commitment to democratic ideals.”

    He called on all Nigerians to condemn this desperate and criminal move by rising up, through all legitimate means, to protect the country’s hard-earned democracy.

    In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Anayo Arinze, the ADC noted several constitutional breaches carried out by security agencies, which were supposed to be protecting the nation’s democracy..

    The ADC said “the unwarranted invasion of Nigeria’s National Assembly on Tuesday, 7th August, 2018 by the former Director of the Directorate of Security Service (DSS), Mr. Lawal Musa Daura, is treasonable and, he should be arrested immediately and tried for treason to serve as a deterrent to other security operatives who may be used in future to dislocate the constitutional duties, freedom and rights of other arms of government or the democratic experiment in the country.”

    ADP National Chairman Yabagi Sani, in a statement, said that it had earlier warned about the peril of any contrivance to subvert the law and due process to effect any change in the leadership of the National Assembly.

    Sani said: “Nigerians have witnessed and have endured these successive acts of vulgar brigandage  by security agents. This  exorbitant assault on Nigerian democracy  signalled its intensity on Tuesday, July 24, when a detachment of police officers barricaded the residences of Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, in a failed attempt to stop them from presiding over the defections that saw about 50 federal lawmakers dumping the APC.

    “The ADP is however, relieved that the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, promptly sacked the DSS Director, Lawal Daura, on Tuesday in clear demonstration of firmness and good sense, which has at least momentarily doused the tension in the country and saved us from this humongous embarrassment before the civilised world.”

  • ‘Ladoja’s, Koleoso’s ADC alliance strange’

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has said the sudden pact between a former chieftain of the party in the state, Chief Michael Koleoso, and a former Governor Rashidi Ladoja to lead the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is an unholy alliance between strange bedfellows.

    In a statement yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital, by its State Publicity Secretary, Dr Azeez Olatunde, APC said no right-thinking progressive would take the alliance seriously.

    Ladoja officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC last Friday after weeks of speculations and threats to do so.

    He is believed to have left the PDP for the second time in eight years due to irreconcilable differences with the party’s national leadership and subtle emergence of Mr Seyi Makinde as its potential governorship candidate.

    Ladoja went to the ADC when Koleoso and some former leading lights of the APC also joined the party.

    They held a meeting with ADC National Leader and former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, last week.

    But the APC said the union of the two notable politicians with some others reminded the party of a submission by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo that Obasanjo can never be a good friend to any progressive.

    It added that such friendship can only end in disaster.

    Oyo APC said the current union in a party, led by the former President, cannot produce any good fruits because Obasanjo and Ladoja’s character is well known to politicians and other Nigerians.

    The party insisted that Koleoso, who is a true progressive will soon find out that he does not have a place in the new house he is joining them to build because of their different world views and approaches to politics and governance.

    The APC said it was watching the the direction of the alliance, assuring that it is clear that it will head for the rocks.

    It assured its teeming members and supporters that the alliance is no cause for alarm because the APC stands firm in Oyo State and all across Nigeria.

    The APC pointed out that the people of Oyo State can see how the Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration has transformed the state in the last seven years through the right policies that have made Oyo a top destination for investors.

    “Security of lives and property, massive infrastructural development, education reform and urban renewal are among the policies that have redefined Oyo State in the last seven years under the APC.”

     

  • ADC announces congress dates, new exco for Ondo

    The National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has set up an 11-man committee to handle its affairs in Ondo State.

    The party also announced the dates for its congresses.

    A statement by the National Chairman, Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, said the conclusion at its July 31 meeting, where it reviewed the progress made so far on mobilisation and membership drive in Ondo State.

    The party, which praised efforts of stakeholders that have contributed to its growth in Ondo, also resolved to accommodate all members’ interests and encourage supporters to register, as only card-carrying members will participate in the congresses.

    According to the statement, the 11-man committee is headed by Prof. Adesegun Ojo, and Arc. Bola Olawolu as Secretary, with one nominee each from Otunba Fasawe, Otunba Demola Ijabiyi, Princess Modupe Ogunyoku, Dr. Iwaloye and groups from PDP, SDP, Labour Party, APGA and APC that have declared for the ADC.

    It reads: “Congress details include – Ward congresses on August 25; Local Government Congresses on August 27 and State Congress on August 28.

    “Continuous registration and accreditation of members will be on till one hour to the particular congress.

    “We appeal to all party faithful to observe substantial compliance with the provisions of the party’s constitution and guidelines for the conduct of congresses at all levels.”

  • ADC to register 500,000 members in Oyo in 2 weeks-Chairman

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it aims to register 500,000 new members in Oyo state in the next two weeks.

    The National Chairman of the party, Mr Ralph Nwosu, disclosed this on Thursday during the inauguration of the state party congress committee in Ibadan.

    The chairman stated that the party had become a leading brand in Nigeria since prominent persons in the South/West zone of Nigeria had become members.

    “The essence of this gathering is to re-arrange the party, for the leaders to know what to do. We have since built leaders who mounded the role they want our members to play.

    “Our party is people-owned and that is why we are different from others.

    “Let me assure you that our party will register 500,000 members in the state within the next two weeks,’’ he said.

    He called on the committee to bring up new leaders in the state to transform the party into a continental brand.

    He said, “If Oyo state could boast of the first university in the country and the first political capital of old western region, then you should know the state is special in the country.’’

    The committee, headed by Dr Femi Majekodunmi, also has Dr Dele Ajadi as the Secretary among other members.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had in attendance former Gov. Rashidi Ladoja and a former National Chairman of Alliance for Democracy, Chief Michael Koleoso.

    Also present were Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu (ADC-Oyo Central), Mr Abdulwasi Musah, Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly and other members of the State Assembly: Olusegun Olaleye and Bolaji Badmus.

    Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, Sen. Femi Lanlehin, Dr Yunus Akintunde and three former Secretaries to Oyo State Government: Alhaji Sharafadeen Alli, Dr Ayodele Adigun and Chief Olayiwola Olakojo also attended the occasion.

  • APC can’t retain power in Ogun, says ADC

    The  Ogun State  chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said that the party would wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state come 2019.

    The party said it is hinging the confidence on its first-hand feelers from the electorate and residents, which indicated that a significant number of them are disillusioned with the style of APC governance in the state and determined to seek alternative platform.

    The ADC State Chairman, Dr. Gbolade Oshinowo, who made this known to reporters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, shortly after briefing them on why the party had formed an alliance with the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) among others, identified two conditions that could make Ogun APC retains power in 2019.

    Oshinowo who spoke at the weekend,  said it is either the Ogun electorate failed to vote in 2019 according to their conscience or their expressed will is subverted by the APC government to pave way for its preferred candidate.

    He said the ADC would provide the right leadership, governance and discipline in the state, if elected into various  elective offices, while women and youth would also accorded significant place in governance.

    On CUPP,  he disclosed that the party joined the coalition when it became clear that the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) was not strong enough to defeat President Muhammadu Buhari and his APC in 2019 and rescue the country from her current drift.

    He said: “ADC is the symbol of hope; it is the symbol  of the concerted efforts of the patriots to rescue the nation from the present ongoing misrule and maladministration and it is the hope of the youth and women in general.

    “Look at what is happening  in APC today, the President has performed poorly, everybody knows that, yet that big party cannot find someone to challenge him; he is the sole candidate; he has already  been ordained again for another four years.  CUPP will provide a an incredible alternative. The ADC is engaged in a rescue mission.

    “The ADC is also very keen on leadership and governance to a large extent many  people see politics as a quick way of making money, instead of  a platform for social development, for public service, for social engineering as our founding fathers want it to be .The ADC wants to change all that. We want to make sure that whosoever has the privilege to serve Nigeria, should  truly become agent of change.”

     

  • Oyo APC splinter group ‘Unity Forum’ joins ADC

    A splinter group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, called Unity Forum, has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The party had been engrossed in an intra-party crisis that was fuelled by the last congresses in the state.

    The defection of the forum’s members into the ADC might have foreclosed a possible reconciliation of the splinter group by the APC.

    The Unity Forum has nine of the 14 House of Representatives members from the state, two of the three senators, several members of the House of Assembly, including the Deputy Speaker.

    A leader of the group, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, who addressed reporters last night in Ibadan, said the group had decided for a showdown with the other faction of the APC said to be loyal to Governor Abiola Ajimobi after the fallout from the recent party congresses.

    The group had based its complaint on alleged neglect and high-handedness by the governor.

    Olatunbosun noted that 2,000 leaders representing over 100,000 members of the group agreed to join the ADC after a four-hour deliberation yesterday.

    The spokesman said the group, after intensive consultations with stakeholders, earlier set up a 15-member committee to look for a veritable political platform to contest the 2019 elections.

  • ADC formally receives Isiaka in Abeokuta

    The National Chairman of the African Democratic Party (ADC),Mr Ralph Nwosu, said on Friday that the fortunes  of the party had improved since May when the Coalition for Nigerian Movement (CNM) adopted it as a platform.

    Nwosu stated this in Abeokuta at a press conference organised to receive Mr  Gboyega Isiaka, a two -time gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun,  who joined ADC on Friday.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the promoter of the CNM, had on May 10  announced that the movement had adopted the ADC as its political party.

    Nwosu said the party had been “a small, road-side and a corner-shop party” until it was adopted by the CNM.

    The ADC chairman said that the pioneer members faced a lot of difficulties in building the party since 2006 when it was formed.

    “In those days, we were begging people to come and join and be party executives,” he said.

    He, however, noted that the fortunes  of the party had since changed with the development, adding that “it is now a force to be reckoned with.’’

    Nwosu said that the party was poised to build a continental brand through the provision of a role-modelling leadership.

    Earlier in his address, Isiaka said he resigned his membership of the PDP due to the intractable crisis within the Ogun chapter of the party.

    He described the ADC as a party whose philosophy is devoid of retrogressive politics, adding that “ADC believes in human capital development and dignity of citizens.’’

    “I have received the inspiration of God and also extensively consulted my political associates, friends, supporters, important stakeholders, well-wishers, voices in the streets and my immediate family.

    ” I hereby formally announce and declare my membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) effective from June 1,2018,” he said. (NAN)