Coalition: Crisis rocks ADC as stakeholders reject take over of party

….Say party not a one-man project, coalition not known to us

By Chris Ochayi

ABUJA: Some stakeholders in the African Democratic Congress, have rejected the process in which the former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola emerged as the party’s Interim National Secretary, saying the appointment lacks due process, transparency, and the broad-based legitimacy expected in a democratic political party

The stakeholders were unequivocal that the claim that the ADC has become the “platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group” which necessitated the appointment of Ogbeni Aregbesola was misleading as millions of its members have not been informed or carried along in the negotiations.

According to a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, ADC (Original), Dr. Musa Isa Matara IQAM, which also named Concerned Stakeholders of the ADC
—Youth Leaders, Women Leaders, State Party Executives, and Ward Coordinators Nationwide as signatories, they vehemently opposed to such arrangements in the absence of the party’s National Convention.

Dr. Matara said, “We stand firmly on the side of accountable leadership, transparent decision-making, and a people-powered party structure. Any process that excludes the very people it claims to serve is undemocratic and must be challenged.

“We call on all genuine stakeholders of the ADC—across states, zones, and demographic groups—to reject this attempted takeover of our party.
We are not opposed to coalitions.

“We are not opposed to reform, but we are opposed to hijack, to imposition, and to speeches that sound revolutionary but hide elitist intentions beneath poetic language.

“Until a legitimate, constitutionally-backed ADC National Convention or NEC confirms leadership changes, no one has the moral or legal right to speak for our party nationally.”

The statement read in parts, “While we appreciate the enthusiasm with which Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has delivered his acceptance speech as Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), we must urgently and firmly reject the premise and process behind this appointment — an appointment that lacks due process, transparency, and the broad-based legitimacy expected in a democratic political party.

“The ADC is not a private coalition platform to be hijacked by any elite group or individuals—regardless of how eloquent or ideologically polished their speeches may sound. Our party has structures, leadership organs, youth and women wings, and constitutional guidelines—none of which were consulted or respected in the announcement of this so-called “appointment.”

“No Legitimate Mandate:
Who appointed Gov. Aregbesola? Which organ of the ADC ratified this appointment? Was the National Executive Committee (NEC) involved? Were state chairmen, youth leaders, and elected national officers consulted?
If the answer is no—as it clearly is—then this “appointment” is null and void.

“False Coalition Claims:
The claim that the ADC has become the “platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group” is misleading. Our millions of members have not been informed or carried along in this so-called coalition. If anyone is attempting to force an opposition merger without grassroots consent, they are trampling on democratic ethics and party sovereignty.

“Legal Crisis Still Unresolved:
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. These matters remain in court and unresolved. Any coalition attempt built on such shaky legal ground is irresponsible and potentially self-destructive.

“Incoming Members Must Be Cautious:
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 ADC is not for sale. It belongs to its members, not political merchants or elite dealmakers.

“Legacy of Undemocratic Culture:
Ironically, the speech talks about internal democracy, ideological discipline, and inclusiveness—yet the very process by which Gov. Aregbesola emerges contradicts every word he just spoke. Democracy cannot begin with imposition. The ADC must not become another replica of the broken parties we seek to replace.

“Party Supremacy Does Not Mean Silence:
The idea that “the party must be supreme” cannot be used as a tool to silence dissent or sideline authentic party stakeholders. Party supremacy begins with consultation and consensus, not executive pronouncements disguised as patriotic rhetoric.

“Our Youth Are Watching:
For a speech that claims to care about youth inclusion, where was the youth wing of the ADC in all this? Were youth leaders, women leaders, or even ward structures consulted? Or is this just another top-down recycling of elite political control in progressive clothing?