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Tag: ADC

  • ICYMI: “Why ADC leadership remains illegal until full compliance is completed”-INEC declares

    ICYMI: “Why ADC leadership remains illegal until full compliance is completed”-INEC declares

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the African Democratic Congress (ADC)
    is yet to comply with the extant rules required for the formal recognition of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as its National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

    The lack of compliance, INEC stated, renders all official documents and communications bearing their signatures null and void until the process is completed.

    Speaking with newsmen, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, through his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said:

    “Ask ADC if they have truly complied with all the requirements. They visited the Commission recently, and we told them what the problem was. They are aware. Please get in touch with Bolaji Abdullahi, their spokesperson, who was part of the delegation. He ought to have briefed journalists about their visit and what transpired.”

    On the implications for ADC candidates in upcoming elections, Oyekanmi said:
    “I believe the party will comply with extant rules. Once they do, they won’t have any problem.”

    Although INEC did not specify the outstanding requirements, it was gathered that ADC is expected to submit sample signatures of the National Chairman and National Secretary, along with other documentation in line with its constitution.

    INEC regulations require political parties to submit detailed resolutions, verified signatures of authorised officials, and evidence of adherence to constitutional procedures before any leadership change can be recognised.

    Reacting to the development, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the delay was “largely administrative” and confirmed that the party made the required submissions to INEC last Thursday.

    “We have had clarity now, and we made the required submission to INEC last Thursday. We are hopeful that everything will be resolved in the coming week,” he said.

  • Police summon ex-gov El-Rufai, top ADC leaders

    Police summon ex-gov El-Rufai, top ADC leaders

    The Kaduna State Police Command has invited former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and seven members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for questioning over alleged criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous hurt.

    A police letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, CID, Uzainu Abdullahi, directed the ADC State Chairman to produce El-Rufai and the others at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, on September 8.

    Those listed in the invitation are Bashir Sa’idu, Jafaru Sani, Ubaidullah Mohammed (popularly known as 30), Nasiru Maikano, Aminu Abita, and Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini (also known as Mikiya).

    The letter, titled “Investigation Activities: Case of Criminal Conspiracy, Inciting Disturbance of Public Peace, Mischief and Causing Grievous Hurt,” stated that the invitation was to enable the individuals clarify allegations reported against them.

    Meanwhile, security operatives on Wednesday sealed the ADC office at No. 4 Ali Akilu Road, Kaduna, hours before the Northwest leadership of the party was scheduled to visit the state chapter on a commiseration mission.

    The visit was intended to sympathise with members injured when political thugs attacked a coalition meeting of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, and ADC in Kaduna last week.

    Eyewitnesses said several police patrol vans were deployed around the premises to block access to the opposition party’s office.

  • CVR figures: INEC dismisses ADC’s allegation in Lagos

    CVR figures: INEC dismisses ADC’s allegation in Lagos

    The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) in Lagos State has described the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) allegation of figure manipulation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the state as unfounded and inaccurate.

    NAN reports that ADC recently alleged possible manipulations of the online pre-registration exercise for the CVR in Lagos State among other states.

    Reacting in a statement on Monday in Lagos, Mr Taiwo Gbadegesin, Head, Voter Education and Publicity, INEC, Lagos State, said that the speculation remained figment of the party’s imagination.

    “The Lagos registration figures are consistent with past CVR trends and reflect the state’s demographic realities: a large. youthful, and tech-savvy population.

    “In the last CVR (2021-2022), Lagos recorded the highest number of registrations nationwide.

    “The State’s total registered voters rose from 6,570,291 before the exercise to 7,060,195 afterward. The current figures therefore, align with this established pattern.

    “It is also important to note that the present data covers not only new registrants but also citizens applying for transfers, replacements of lost of damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and updates to personal information.

    “It is therefore inaccurate to equate the totals solely with fresh registrations,” Gbadegesin said.

    According to him, the numbers also reflect the commission’s effective deployment as well as the state office’s numerous and sustained public awareness efforts.

    He said that INEC had been promoting transparency in carrying out its constitutional mandate.

    “INEC Lagos operates an open-door policy, making daily registration data available to interested stakeholders.

    “The commission urges political actors and the public to please avoid needless speculations and rely on verified data and official information.

    “INEC Lagos State remains fully committed to its constitutional mandate of delivering free, fair, transparent and credible elections beginning with an inclusive, credible and accountable voter registration,” Gbadegesin said.

    NAN recalls that INEC on Aug. 18 launched a nationwide CVR with online pre-registration via its portal: https://www.cvr.inecnigeria.org OR www.cvr.inec.gov.ng.

    The in-person physical registration/biometric capturing started one week after on Aug. 25.

    INEC had on Aug. 25 revealed that a total of 1,379,342 Nigerians completed the online pre-registration process in the first week of the CVR, conducted from Aug. 18 to Aug. 24, 2025.

    The CVR State Pre-Registration Report released by the commission showed that Osun State emerged with the highest number of pre-registrations, recording an impressive 393,269 registrants, the largest share by percentage at 28.51 percent.

    This was closely followed by Lagos State, recording 222,205 entries, a commanding 16.11 percent of the national total.

    Ogun also had a strong turnout with 132,823 pre-registrations, representing 9.63 percent.

    However, the opposition ADC has been raising concerns about the genuineness of these figures, alleging manipulations.

  • ADC faults police in Kaduna over handling of violent disruption of party’s inauguration

    ADC faults police in Kaduna over handling of violent disruption of party’s inauguration

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted the Kaduna State Police Command over its handling of the violent disruption of the party’s inauguration in Kaduna where party members were allegedly attacked by armed thugs.

    The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, stated that the venue of the party’s meeting had been duly pre-booked.

    Abdullahi said the party had expected the Kaduna State Police Command’s statement to reassure Nigerians that justice would be served and that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable.

    “Instead, what we read was a troubling attempt to criminalise legitimate political activity, prejudge individuals, and cast the opposition in the light of lawlessness,” he said.

    He noted that the police statement linked the ADC to “political gangsters” even while stating that it had commenced an extensive investigation into the alleged political violence.

    Abdullahi said that investigations should establish facts before conclusions were drawn, adding that “when police act as judge and jury, it undermines both justice and democracy

    He noted that first, the police statement rushed to link the ADC to “political gangsters” even while stating that it has commenced an extensive investigation into the alleged political violence.

    Abdullahi said that investigations should establish facts before conclusions were drawn; noting “when police act as judge and jury, it undermines both justice and democracy.”

    He also faulted the claims by the Kaduna police that the ADC gathering was “unauthorised” , saying in a democracy, the right to assemble peacefully is guaranteed by the Constitution, not a State Police Command.

    He said that a police notification was a matter of procedure and often courtesy, not a license to exercise a right that had been granted by the constitution.

    He said that no democracy thrives where access to public or private venues is determined by the whims of security agencies under any guise.

    Abdullahi also faulted the blanket suspension of “unauthorised gatherings” as declared by the Kaduna police command in its statement, as clear overreach.

    “Security agencies are to protect lawful assemblies, not proscribe them.

    “To arrogate to themselves the power to decide which political meetings may hold is to hand the police veto authority over democracy itself.

    “In this regard, the ADC rejects all attempts by the Kaduna state police command to drag our name into acts of violence that we neither organised nor condone.

    “Our party remains committed to peaceful, issue-based politics” he said.

    “Our party remains committed to peaceful, issue-based politics,” he said.

    Abdullahi called on the command to immediately review its statement, conduct a transparent investigation, and explain why its officers were not on duty when ADC leaders and members were attacked.

  • Police investigate alleged political violence as ADC denies El-Rufai

    Police investigate alleged political violence as ADC denies El-Rufai

    The Police Command in Kaduna State said its has lunched an intensive investigation into the alleged political violence during a meeting hosted by the former Gov. Nasir El Rufai and shooting incidents by political thugs.

    The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan announced the investigation in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

    Hassan said, “The incident occurred after a political gathering purportedly organized by a political party, ADC, without prior notification to the Police and other relevant security agencies, in spite of repeated warnings and advices.

    “The situation was further complicated by the presence of high-profile dignitaries, in the state at the time.”

    According to him, preliminary findings indicated that the gathering led to a clash, during which thugs and political gangsters attached to the former Governor allegedly fired gunshots, causing chaos and disruption of public order,  peace in the state.

    “The police command further launched an inquiry from the ADC party Secretariat to keep the records straight.

    “Accordingly, the party’s officials denied having knowledge of any meetings and refuted the claim of the organisers.

    “The ADC leadership reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law and they distanced themselves from the claims of the former governor.

    “The command wishes to state categorically that the investigation is ongoing.

    “Anyone found culpable,  irrespective of his personality and no matter how highly placed an individual is, if he acted contrary to the law, he will face the full weight of the law, “he said.

    Hassan said the command strongly warned that any hotel, event centre, or similar facility that permits political meetings or gatherings without prior notification to the Police or other relevant security agencies, will equally be held liable.

    He said this measure was to ensure that due process was followed and to prevent thugs or miscreants from hijacking such gatherings to cause mayhem or breakdown of law and order.

    “In the interest of peace and public safety, the command further announces that all such unauthorised gatherings are to be suspended until due process and proper security arrangements are ensured,” Hassan said.

  • Declare state of emergency in Katsina, Zamfara – ADC tells Tinubu

    Declare state of emergency in Katsina, Zamfara – ADC tells Tinubu

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an immediate declaration of a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara States, following recent massacre of worshippers.

    The party made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, following the killing of several citizens in the two states.

    Abdullahi said the ADC was deeply concerned about the recent massacre in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, where worshippers were shot dead in a mosque during dawn prayers, while others were killed in their homes across villages.

    “In view of the foregoing, ADC therefore calls for an immediate declaration of a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara States until the government is able to stem the tide of bloodshed in those places and restore some order,” he said.

    He also called on President Bola Tinubu to embark on total re-evaluation of Nigeria’s national security architecture to adequately protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

    “The recent call by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for citizens to acquire self-defence skills is perhaps the most honest indicator yet that there is a need to rethink the entire internal defence system,” he said.

    Abdullahi decried what he described as the insensitivity of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the plight of citizens, saying the two dominant parties were only concerned about power and politics.

    He faulted the decision of PDP governors to hold a political meeting in Zamfara state just days after the tragic killing of residents in the state, describing the action as “grossly insensitive”.

  • We hope you will join – ADC replies Datti Baba-Ahmed

    We hope you will join – ADC replies Datti Baba-Ahmed

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reacted to comments made by Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, accusing the coalition of “deceiving Nigerians.”

    Baba-Ahmed, in a Channels TV interview revealed that he plans to contest the 2027 elections alongside Peter Obi.

    In a statement released on Saturday, ADC’s deputy national publicity secretary, Jackie Wayas, said Baba-Ahmed is respected but stressed that the coalition is a collective project involving several political leaders and parties.

    “Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed is known for integrity and justice. Since this coalition is built on shared strength, we hope he will join in pushing for a better Nigeria,” Wayas stated.

    She explained that the coalition was formed after consultations with key figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Senate President David Mark, ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola, former transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi.

    Wayas also stressed that Obi has already pledged his commitment to the coalition and confirmed that the ADC will serve as the platform for the 2027 elections.

    She cited Obi’s July 3, 2025, declaration where he said the coalition would work together to ensure Nigeria gets competent and compassionate leadership that puts citizens first.

    She added that the coalition is focused on unity, national interest, and providing solutions to the country’s challenges.

    “Nigerians deserve a clear and united opposition. Let us rally behind the ADC to rescue the nation,” she said.

  • Why we defected to ADC — Ex-Lagos PDP chairman, other chieftains

    Why we defected to ADC — Ex-Lagos PDP chairman, other chieftains

    A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP)in Lagos State, retired Capt. Tunji Shelle, on Saturday resigned his membership of the party, defecting to the African  Democratic Party (ADC).

    NAN reports that Shelle and other  PDP bigwigs as well as some Labour Party members  joined ADC at an affirmation ceremony  in Lagos.

    A former PDP BOT member, Dr Abimbola Ogunkelu, another  former State PDP Chairman, Chief Muritala Ashorobi; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos East), Tai Benedict; Ex- Youth Leader, Chief Niyi Adams ,and Rahman Owokoniran ,Ex-South West Secretary, were among stalwarts who defected with Shelle.

    The ADC National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,with other ADC chieftains, received  Shelle and others into the party.

    Speaking with NAN, Shelle  said he and and others decided to dump the PDP because of the ” gross indiscipline and endless crises” in the party.

    He said they were disappointed that the leadership of PDP could not halt the “destabilising activities” of some national leaders of the party.

    Shelle  said that  PDP leaders, like the Minister of Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike,were not working for the progress of the party.

    He accused Wike of working  for the  All Progressives Congress(APC),while still  claiming membership  of PDP.

    Shelle said: Wike cannot hijack the party and the rest of us continue to look as if we are helpless or we are no human beings.

    “I don’t take it. I don’t like being subjected to such ridicule.

    “One man cannot not say he is working for APC while on the other hand keeps holding PDP into ransom. I think the leaders (PDP leaders)are compromised”.

    He said his defection to ADC with other PDP leaders  had  further weakened  the former ruling  party.

    “PDP is now empty with all its leaders moving to ADC in Lagos,” he said.

    Shelle, who noted that ADC had tested and trusted politicians in its fold , said that the party was strong enough to stand against the ruling party in 2027.

    He said that ADC’s Interim Chairman, Sen. David Mark and  Aregbesola, have the capacity to steer the party to victory.

    “There are no distractions in ADC. The party  leaders are not people anyone can buy over.

    “ADC has all it takes  to save the situation in Nigeria and  give the people the country of their dream ,” he said.

    He said the support for ADC was growing by the day and urged Nigerians to join the party.

    “People are behind us, we are not fighting the battle alone.

    “We expect Nigerians to join the movement so that all of us can win together. With Nigerians behind us, ADC will definitely make a difference,” he added.

    Also speaking at the event, Owokoniran, who noted that PDP had lost track, said, ” PDD is gone, there is nothing there. ADC is the only opportunity to challenge the ruling APC.”

    Also speaking, a former PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos East) ,Mr Tai Benedict, said that many more leaders and members of the former ruling party were still on their way into ADC.

    “We are emptying PDP members in Lagos State into ADC. Others are on the way, they want to take their last supper before coming,” Benedict said.

    Also, Chief Niyi Adams, a former Lagos State PDP Youth Leader, claimed that more than 5,000 PDP members defected into ADC across the 20 Local Governments.

    Adams, who decried persistent internal crises  in PDP, said defectors would work assiduously to ensure victory for ADC in 2027 general elections.

    The ex-party chieftain said he did not think  PDP would be able to resolve its crisis even after the November National Convention.

  • ADC promises 50% inclusion for youth, women

    ADC promises 50% inclusion for youth, women

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it will prioritise youth and women by allocating 50 per cent of elective and appointive positions to them.

    Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary of the party, stated this in Lagos during the affirmation of PDP, Labour Party and other members who defected to ADC.

    Delivering a speech titled “When Good People Unite, Nigerians Win,”Aregbesola, a former Osun governor and Minister of Interior, called ADC the party of the youth and one committed to rescuing Nigeria.

    He said the ADC constitution guarantees strong representation for youth and women, adding that inclusive leadership is key to Nigeria’s future.

    According to him, the country is facing hardship and uncertainty, and Nigerians must rise above partisanship to chart a new course.

    He said the people must remain the focus of politics and governance for any administration to remain relevant.

    “No government could survive without prioritising citizens’ welfare,” he said, adding that leadership must meet the basic needs of the people.

    “This is not tokenism, but recognition that Nigeria’s future lies with giving voice, space, and power to the underrepresented,” he said.

    He stated that ADC reserves 35 per cent for women and another 35 per cent for youth, creating a minimum of 50 per cent inclusive representation.

    According to him, ADC is not controlled by one person, but a collective of patriotic citizens seeking to rebuild the nation.

    “The people are the centre of politics and government, not leaders or political parties,” he added.

    Aregbesola warned that any form of government that fails to serve the people would lose legitimacy and collapse with time.

    “There is a limit to how much hardship people can endure before they react,” he stated.

    He said Nigeria’s condition necessitates ADC’s timely intervention, urging members to act decisively to save the country.

    He told the new members that ADC’s mission is to build a nation future generations would be proud to inherit.

    “Our mission is urgent. ADC will build from the grassroots and avoid needless conflicts,” he said.

    He urged members to focus on expanding the party’s base and avoid wasting time engaging political opponents.

    “Let’s sell our ideas to the people and ignore the distractions of dying political structures,” he said.

    He noted that both PDP and APC have lost vision and reduced to ordinary power-seeking political platforms.

    “We must not repeat the mistakes of APC and PDP. Let us build a people-oriented party from scratch,” he said.

    Earlier, Dr Abimbola Ogunkelu, PDP BoT member, led the group of defectors and said the movement signalled a new era of progressive politics.

    “Our gathering is not just political. It is a convergence of shared values and ideas for national transformation,” he said.

    He described the event as a declaration of unity, purpose, and the will to reshape Nigeria through credible alternatives.

    Ogunkelu said the coalition aimed to mobilise grassroots participation and provide trustworthy leadership Nigerians can believe in.

    Also speaking, Dr Segun Osho, who led some Labour Party members, said their movement was necessary to rescue Nigeria.

    “We are pledging our loyalty to ADC to rescue Lagos and Nigeria from failure,” Osho said.

    ADC Chieftain, Sen. Kolawole Ogunwale, called on members to work with unity and commitment for the party’s success.

    “Don’t just support ADC by mouth. Be committed in action and purpose,” Ogunwale said.

    The defectors included former Lagos PDP Chairmen, Chief Muritala Ashorobi, and Captain Tunji Shelle. Others were PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Tai Benedict; Chief Niyi Adams; and ex-Youth Leader, among other party stalwarts.

    ADC Lagos Chairman, Mr George Ashiru, presented the party’s flag, logo, and statement of purpose to Ogunkelu.

    Ashiru outlined ADC as a credible alternative and urged members to unite like a military force preparing for victory. The event was attended by ADC national leaders and South-West state chairmen.

  • What I am more interested in than becoming president – Atiku

    What I am more interested in than becoming president – Atiku

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has disclosed that he is more interested in a better Nigeria than becoming president.

    Abubakar made the disclosure while speaking at an affirmation ceremony for new defectors in the African Democratic Congress(ADC) on Saturday in Lagos State.

    Some PDP and Labour Party bigwigs proclaimed their membership of ADC at the ceremony.

    Abubabar, who was the guest speaker at the programme,was  represented by Prof. Ola Olateju of  the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State,

    The former PDP candidate, along with some like-minded opposition politicians, recently resigned his  membership of the party  to join  ADC,

    Abubakar said  he was not desperate to lead the country, but  was very eager  for a better, secure and  prosperous country.

    “Atiku Abubakar ‘s plan is to build a better Nigeria. So, it’s not about him being the president. It’s about having a better government, a good government,  that will be able to deliver for Nigerians.

    “It’s not a personal thing for him and that’s why some of us are with him. It’s not about Atiku must be president at all costs.

    “ADC, to us, is not a political party. It is a movement, a movement of  Nigerians for a better Nigeria,” Olateju saud  on behalf of Abubakar.

    He said that the movement in ADC was for repositioning  of the country and taking  it to great heights.

    “It’s no longer politics as usual. It’s a new beginning. It is a new journey, a new beginning, We need a new beginning in Nigeria and that’s what Atiku is championing.

    “It’s not about a personal thing that he must be president, No, it is not a matter of must. The must there is for him to see Nigeria deliver as wished by all. We are expecting a better Nigeria.

    “We want Nigeria to be able to deliver. We want Nigeria to be able to take care of Nigerians,” he added.

    Claiming that Nigerians were facing challenges  with the removal of fuel subsidy and  attendant inflation, Abubakar said that a better Nigeria was possible with good leadership.

    He said that God was ready to use the coalition  members to bring about a change in the country.

    On who would likely emerge the ADC presidential flagbearer in 2027, Abubakar said that this would be determined by the  people in the party.

    “It is not a thing we can pre- determine. Whoever emerges through free and fair contests, we are all going to support.

    “Everybody has a right to contest, we are going to rally round anyone that emerges. We are not imposing anyone on the people.

    “The point is better Nigeria, not Atiku for President at all costs, not Obi for president at all costs.

    “Whoever picks the ticket shall be the representative of Nigeria people and will represent the collective voice and aspiration of Nigeria,” he added.

    The defectors include PDP Board of Trustee member, Dr Abimbola Ogunkelu,  former chairmen of Lagos PDP, Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), and a former PDP Youth Leader ,Mr Tai Benedict, among others.

    They were  received by ADC national chieftains ,including the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Sen. Kolawole Ogunwale, and Mr George Ashiru, the State ADC Chairman.