The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigerians to join the party in its bid to reposition the country for good governance and credible leadership.
The call was made on Monday in Abuja by the party’s Federal Capital Territory chairman, Yusuf Tijani, during the formal reception of rights activist Aisha Yesufu, who recently defected to the party.
Addressing journalists at the ADC secretariat, Tijani described Yesufu’s entry as a significant boost, saying the party was committed to providing Nigerians with a viable political alternative rooted in 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,” he said.
Tijani blamed Nigeria’s leadership challenges since the return to democracy in 1999 on 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.
He further criticised excessive greed in public office, stressing that the ADC stood for modesty, service and responsible governance.
“This is what ADC stands for. This is what we want to bring, to a new Nigeria that is possible,” Tijani added.
The FCT chairman disclosed that the party had continued to attract prominent figures nationwide, noting that a former Senate President recently joined the ADC, while Yesufu’s defection had further strengthened the party’s visibility.
In her remarks, Yesufu lashed out at the ruling All Progressives Congress, insisting the party had lost touch with Nigerians and no longer enjoyed 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,” she said.
According to her, 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 said.
Yesufu said the ADC represented a coalition of confident Nigerians determined to reclaim governance from what she described as a failing political establishment.
Also speaking, an ADC chairman in Gwagwalada Area Council, Afahibada Danjuma, congratulated Yesufu on her defection and expressed optimism about the party’s prospects in the forthcoming FCT Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
“With all dedication and commitment, we are going to win the FCT Area Council election come 21st February 2026,” he said.