In a tumultuous turn of events, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is grappling with internal dissent as party leadership vehemently opposes the proposed appointment of former Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as Interim National Secretary. The efforts spearheaded by the Atiku Abubakar-led opposition coalition to consolidate their forces under the ADC have encountered significant resistance, raising questions about the party’s future direction.
A faction within the ADC, championed by National Publicity Secretary Dr. Musa Isa Matara, has publicly denounced Aregbesola’s nomination, branding it an attempt at a ‘hostile takeover.’ In a statement issued on Wednesday, the faction expressed deep concern, asserting that the ADC will not be ‘auctioned’ to the highest bidder.
Dr. Matara drew a clear line in the sand, emphasizing that no self-appointed leader can claim authority over the ADC unless formally ratified by a legitimate Convention or National Executive Council (NEC). He warned that any move to bypass this process would constitute a betrayal of the party’s constitution.
“Our stance is not against coalitions or reform initiatives. However, we vehemently oppose any form of imposition or hijack, especially when cloaked in revolutionary rhetoric that conceals elitist motives,” the coalition of stakeholders, including influential women and youth groups within the party, stressed.
Key party leaders have revealed that the decision to install Aregbesola as Interim National Secretary was made without the consultation of the NEC, state chairmen, youth leaders, or elected national officers, viewing the process as a blatant disregard for due diligence and party democracy.
They further dismissed claims that the ADC is evolving into a “National Opposition Coalition Platform” as misleading, highlighting that a vast number of grassroots members remain uninformed and excluded from these controversial negotiations for alliances.
“Attempting to force a merger without the genuine consent of the grassroots is a violation of our democratic values and undermines the sovereignty of the party,” they asserted.
They also cautioned potential coalition partners, warning that the ADC has been embroiled in ongoing legal disputes since the 2023 general elections, underlining the irresponsibility of forging alliances on such unstable legal grounds.
In a stern message to those considering involvement in the ADC under the current turbulent circumstances, party leaders declared, “The ADC is not for sale. It belongs to its members, not to opportunistic political merchants or elite dealmakers.”