African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a corrupt party where money, ticket-trading, and manipulation of primaries determine leadership.
The national chairman, Senator David Mark, stated this in Asaba yesterday at the party’s new state headquarters during the formal inauguration of the Delta State Leadership Management Team (DSLMT), assuring that such malpractices would not happen in ADC.
The event was attended by top national leaders, including former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and National Vice Chairman (North-East), Babachir David Lawal, who represented the National Chairman, Senator David Mark; National Vice Chairman (South-South) and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani; National Publicity Secretary and former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi; and former governorship candidate, Olorogun Great Ogboru amongst others.
Represented by Mr Babachir Lawal, he outlined the party’s expectations for the newly inaugurated DSLMT, emphasising adherence to the ADC Constitution and operational guidelines.
He warned against corruption, ticket-trading, or the manipulation of primaries, practices he said are standard in other parties.
“In APC, someone may win a primary, but another person pays money in Abuja and the name changes. It will not happen in ADC. Don’t waste your money or energy. Do the right thing, and the right thing will be done,” Lawal said.
He explained that all leadership positions must adhere to internal party procedures and that committee members should actively integrate women, youth, and coalition members from other political parties.
“Even your opponent can vote for you if you include him. The work of this committee is to build harmony and ensure everybody feels a sense of belonging,” he said.
Also speaking, the national publicity secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi highlighted the role of the ADC as the remaining credible opposition party in Nigeria.
“By 2027, they want only APC standing. But today, ADC is the last man standing. We may not have billions or governors, but we have the people, and we have God on our side,” he said.
He said the party’s mission is not only political but also a national rescue effort, aimed at giving ordinary Nigerians a platform to participate meaningfully in governance.
“ADC is the hope of ordinary Nigerians. Our processes are open, transparent, and designed to include every stakeholder,” Abdullahi added.
In his remarks, national vice chairman (South-South), Usani Uguru Usani, urged ADC members in the Niger Delta to stand firm and not allow past political experiences to instill fear.
Usani emphasized that the party’s internal processes are transparent and accountable, and dismissed speculation about divisions within the ADC as “a storm in a teacup that will be settled.”
Also, former Delta State governorship candidate, Olorogun Great Ogboru described the inauguration as a historic milestone for Delta State politics, which he said had lacked effective opposition for decades.
He praised the coalition members for the ADC as a strategic move to strengthen democracy in the state..
“Some believed there would no longer be an opposition in Delta state because they thought that by moving PDP leaders to the APC, the matter was settled. But unfortunately for them, man proposes, God disposes.
“They never imagined that a seemingly small and obscure party like the ADC would rise and say no to dictatorship. And there is only one thing that stops dictators—you say no to them.
“Nigerians and the ADC believe that we must have a democracy. And for democracy to exist, there must be a credible alternative. And for that alternative to be meaningful, the people must decide. So we are here to create that alternative—an opportunity for the people of Delta state to choose. To say: “I will take this; I will not take that.”
“Whatever happens going forward—whether in our favour or against us—the most important thing is that the decision must come from the people of Delta state. Never again should this state be known as a place without opposition or a place where they said only one political party existed,” Ogboru stated.
Those inaugurated included Olorogun Great Ovedje Ogboru, Kennedy Pela, Hon. Uloho Obaro, Engr. Austin Okolie, Hon. George Timinimi and Hon. Emeka Ozegbe.
Credit: Leadership