‘Party Not a Private Platform’ — ADC Faction Slams Opposition Adoption

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the adoption of the party by a coalition of opposition politicians, describing the move as an elite hijack lacking consultation with party stakeholders.

In a statement signed by Musa Isa Matara, national publicity secretary of the faction, the group expressed strong disapproval over the coalition’s move to install former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim national chairman and secretary of the party, respectively.

“We warn those coming into the ADC as part of this imposed arrangement to tread carefully. Be mindful that some few individuals are attempting to sell out the soul of our party for personal gain,” the statement reads.

The meeting, held on Tuesday in Abuja, was attended by opposition figures including ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Sule Lamido, Babangida Aliyu, Aminu Tambuwal, Liyel Imoke, and Uche Secondus, among others. They announced ADC as the platform for the new opposition coalition.

But Matara said: “The ADC is not for sale. It belongs to its members, not political merchants or elite dealmakers.”

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He insisted the party’s national executive committee (NEC) or national convention did not ratify the appointments, nor were the party’s grassroots structures consulted.

“Our millions of members have not been informed or carried along in this so-called coalition,” he added. “Let it be known to those who are trooping into our party under this chaotic coalition arrangement that the ADC has been battling unresolved legal crises since the 2023 general elections.”