The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigerians to join the party in its bid to reposition the country for better governance and credible leadership.
The call was made on Monday in Abuja by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chairman of the party, Mr. Yusuf Tijani, during the formal reception of rights activist, Comrade Aisha Yesufu, who recently joined the ADC.
Addressing journalists at the party’s secretariat, Tijani described Yesufu’s defection as a major boost to the ADC, noting that the party is determined to offer Nigerians a viable alternative anchored on accountability, grassroots leadership, and democratic values.
“It’s an African institute, though it’s a political party, African Democratic Congress. We build leadership. In ADC, we build leadership that will take care of the grassroots,” Tijani said.
According to him, Nigeria’s leadership challenges since the return to democracy in 1999 are rooted in selfishness and lack of contentment among those in power.
“A leader that does not take care of his people is not a leader. God takes care of a leader, and leaders take care of their people. Why we have not gotten it right since 1999? Because we have some selfish leaders that are not contented,” he stated.
Tijani further criticised excessive greed in public office, stressing that ADC stands for modesty, service, and responsible governance.
“If any leader is contented, there is no allowance in presidency. Whatever is made for that office is a norm for you and your children. But because we are part of Africa, we don’t live a contentment life. We want to consume what we cannot use.
“This is what ADC stands for. This is what we want to bring, to a new Nigeria that is possible,” Tijani said.
He disclosed that the party has continued to attract prominent figures across the country, noting that a former Senate President had recently joined the ADC, while Yesufu’s entry further strengthens the party’s visibility and reach.
“We are here today, more are coming. Today, we are here again to welcome a face that is well known all through the corners of Nigeria. This is your political zone,” he added.
In her remarks, Yesufu lambasted the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the party has lost touch with Nigerians and no longer enjoys the mandate of the people.
“That is fear. The APC has lost that with the people, it does not have the mandate of the people, it never did,” Yesufu said.
She argued that recent public outings by APC leaders showed a party struggling to maintain relevance and authority.
“They are trying to give an illusion of power, which they no longer have. Did they look like people who were in charge? They looked like people who were scared, afraid, and know that they are on their way out,” she stated.
According to her, the ADC represents a gathering of confident Nigerians determined to take back governance from what she described as a failing political establishment.
“For us in ADC, what you see is a gathering of people who are not scared, while those in power are already thinking of packing and leaving,” Yesufu said.
Also speaking, Hon. Afahibada Danjuma, an ADC chairman in Gwagwalada Area Council, congratulated Yesufu on her defection and expressed optimism about the party’s chances in the forthcoming FCT Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
“On behalf of the six ADC chairmanship candidates of the Federal Capital Territory, we say a big congratulations to our mother, Aisha Yesufu, and to our party.
“With all dedication and commitment, we are going to win the FCT Area Council election come 21st February 2026,” Danjuma said.
Meanwhile, the FCT Youth Leader of the ADC, Ismail Suleiman, criticised the current administration, saying Nigerians are increasingly dissatisfied with the state of governance in the country.
Suleiman expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would be voted out in the 2027 general elections, as Nigerians seek a new direction through alternative political platforms like the ADC.