ADC Denies Reports of Pushing State Chairmen Out of Party
By Samuel Ogidan | Updated: [Insert Date]
Party Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Collaboration
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly refuted claims that it plans to remove its 37 state chairmen, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chairman, from their positions. The party leadership clarified that their objective is to work collaboratively with state executives to strengthen the political organization.
Dispelling Rumors of Leadership Takeover
The clarification comes amid circulating reports suggesting that the party’s main chairmen had been replaced. Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Interim Public Secretary of ADC, addressed journalists after a crucial meeting attended by prominent party figures including:
- Interim National Chairman David Mark
- Former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke
- Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal
- Political leader Tunde Ogbeha
“We invited all state chairmen to this meeting to reassure them we don’t have any intention to push them away,” Abdullahi stated. “Thirty-seven state chairmen including FCT were present. Our purpose is to dispel falsehoods and rumors that we came to take over the party from them.”
Commitment to Party Unity and Growth
The ADC leadership emphasized their commitment to building a stronger political platform through cooperation with state executives. “We’re here to work with them as partners to build a stronger political party,” Abdullahi affirmed. “They’re leaving Abuja today more confident that they’re partners in this coalition.”
Response to Former Presidential Candidate’s Criticism
The party leadership also addressed recent comments by former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachukwu, who had criticized the coalition process and new leadership. Abdullahi responded firmly: “A presidential candidate is not an officer of the party – just a member. We’re on solid legal ground. If anyone has evidence we’ve violated our constitution, we’re open to challenge.”
He added: “No member of ADC has disagreed with the process so far,” underscoring the leadership’s confidence in their approach.
State Chairmen Express Support
ADC Forum Chairman and Kogi State Chairman Hon. Kingsley Temitope Ogga confirmed state executives’ alignment with the new direction: “We’ve been on this process almost three years now. We’ve been carried along on what they’re going to do and how.”
Ogga detailed the inclusive nature of the transition: “We sat down together, deliberated together. That’s how we reached this point of coalition.” When questioned about potential leadership changes, he noted: “Maybe, but nobody has said so. None has come against it.”
Looking Ahead: Party Consolidation
The meeting appears to have successfully addressed concerns about the party’s direction and leadership structure. With state chairmen expressing satisfaction with the clarification, the ADC moves forward in its efforts to position itself as a viable political alternative in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
The party’s emphasis on internal democracy and transparent processes signals its commitment to distinguishing itself in Nigeria’s competitive political environment as it prepares for future electoral contests.
Credit: This article is based on original reporting from Independent Nigeria.