The African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition of opposition politicians’ ongoing efforts seem to be on the verge of collapse as several stakeholders have strongly rejected to Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s appointment as the party’s interim national secretary.
The group, led by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Musa Isa Matara, issued a statement on Wednesday denouncing what they described as Aregbesola’s “attempted takeover” of the party.
Recall that the former Osun state governor along with former senate president, David Mark had been appointed as interim leaders of the ADC, leading to David Marks’s resignation from the PDP.
“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,” the stakeholders stated.
Matara maintained that no one has the moral or legal authority to speak for the party nationally until a valid, constitutionally supported ADC National Convention or NEC confirms changes in leadership.
According to the stakeholders, Aregbesola was appointed as the party’s interim national secretary without consulting the National Executive Committee (NEC), state chairmen, youth leaders, or elected national executives.
The stakeholders further stressed that it is misleading to say that the ADC has evolved into the “platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group,” because millions of members have not been notified of or included in this alleged alliance.
They added: “If anyone is attempting to force an opposition merger without grassroots consent, they are trampling on democratic ethics and party sovereignty.
“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.
“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.”
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
