Tensions are rising within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as key party stakeholders have rejected the emergence of former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s Interim National Secretary.
The controversy is linked to ongoing coalition efforts aimed at uniting opposition forces in Nigeria.
In a statement on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Musa Isa Matara, led a faction of the party in condemning what they described as an “unauthorised attempt” to impose Aregbesola and hijack the party’s leadership structure.
Matara emphasised that while the ADC supports alliances and reforms, it rejects imposition and power grabs disguised as progress.
He cautioned against what he called “revolutionary rhetoric masking elite interests,” noting that no legitimate party process had ratified Aregbesola’s appointment.
According to the statement, Aregbesola’s installation was not approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), State chairpersons, or any of its duly elected national officers.
The stakeholders argued that the move bypasses due process and undermines internal party democracy.
They also took issue with claims that the ADC now serves as the platform for a new opposition coalition, saying that such a declaration is premature and lacks the consent of the majority of party members.
“The ADC is not anyone’s bargaining chip. Any merger or coalition built on shaky legal and constitutional ground will only lead to further instability,” the statement reads.
The stakeholders warned that ongoing legal issues stemming from the 2023 general elections are yet to be resolved in court, making the current attempt to force a political merger legally questionable and politically reckless.
They further alleged that some individuals within the party were working to hand over control to outsiders for personal gain, warning prospective members of the risks involved in joining under the current circumstances.
“ADC is owned by its grassroots members, not political dealmakers..The integrity and sovereignty of the party cannot be traded for convenience or expediency,” the party said.
The statement signals deepening internal divisions that could derail broader efforts to unite opposition parties ahead of future elections.
(Nation)