By Awwal Umar Kontagora The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has reaffirmed ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to inclusive leadership, pledging that 50 per cent of all elective and appointive positions will be reserved for youth and women.
Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State and ex-Minister of Interior, made the remarks while welcoming defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and other political groups into the ADC during a ceremony in Lagos State.
Delivering a speech titled "When Good People Unite, Nigerians Win," Aregbesola described the ADC as a youth-driven party with a national rescue mission.
"The ADC constitution guarantees strong representation for youth and women. Inclusive leadership is not just a principle — it is essential for Nigeria’s future,” he said.
He noted that the country is grappling with severe hardship and uncertainty, adding that Nigerians must rise above partisanship to chart a new course forward.
“Politics and governance must centre on the people. No government can survive without prioritising the welfare of its citizens,” Aregbesola stated.
“This is not tokenism. It’s a recognition that Nigeria’s future depends on giving voice, space, and power to the underrepresented.”
He clarified that the party has reserved 35 per cent of leadership positions for women and another 35 per cent for youth, thereby guaranteeing at least 50 per cent inclusive representation.
“The ADC is not a one-man show. It is driven by patriotic citizens committed to rebuilding the nation,” he added.
“The people should be the centre of politics and governance — not just political parties or their leaders."
Aregbesola cautioned that any government that fails to serve the people will eventually lose legitimacy.
“There is a limit to how much hardship people can endure before they react,” he warned.
He urged ADC members to act decisively, describing the party’s mission as a timely intervention to save Nigeria from further decline.
“Our mission is urgent. We must build from the grassroots and avoid unnecessary conflicts,” he said.
“Let’s focus on selling our ideas to the people and ignore distractions from dying political structures.”
He criticised both the PDP and the ruling APC, saying they have lost their ideological bearings and now operate merely as power-hungry platforms.
"We must not repeat the mistakes of the APC and PDP. Let us build a people-oriented party from the ground up,” he said.
Earlier, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, led the defectors and described the move as the beginning of a new era of progressive politics.
“This gathering is not just political — it’s a convergence of shared values and ideas for national transformation,” he said.
“Members of the PDP, Labour Party, and other progressives have joined the ADC in Lagos for a better Nigeria.”
Ogunkelu called the event a declaration of unity and purpose, focused on providing credible alternatives and trustworthy leadership.
Also speaking, Dr. Segun Osho, who led a delegation from the Labour Party, said their defection was a strategic step to rescue Nigeria.
“We are pledging our loyalty to the ADC to rescue Lagos and Nigeria from failure,” Osho said.
ADC chieftain, Senator Kolawole Ogunwale, urged party members to show total commitment to the ADC’s success.
“Don’t just support ADC with words. Show commitment through action and purpose,” Ogunwale charged.
The list of defectors included former Lagos PDP Chairmen, Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Captain Tunji Shelle, as well as PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Tai Benedict, Chief Niyi Adams, and a former PDP Youth Leader, among other party stalwarts.
Mr. George Ashiru, Chairman of ADC Lagos State, formally received the new members by presenting them with the party’s flag, logo, and a statement of purpose.
Ashiru described the ADC as a credible alternative and urged members to unite with the focus and discipline of a military force.
The event was attended by ADC national leaders, including South-West state chairmen and other key stakeholders.
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