African Democratic Congress (ADC) has committed to reserving 50 percent of its elective and appointive positions for youth and women, signaling a transformative approach to inclusive leadership.
This announcement was made by the ADC National Secretary and former Osun governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, during a Lagos ceremony welcoming defectors from the PDP, Labour Party, and other parties.
In his speech, “When Good People Unite, Nigerians Win,” Aregbesola described ADC as “the party of the youth” dedicated to rescuing Nigeria.
“This is not tokenism, but recognition that Nigeria’s future lies with giving voice, space, and power to the underrepresented,” he said, highlighting the party’s constitutional guarantee of 35 percent representation for women and 35 percent for youth, ensuring at least 50 percent inclusive leadership.
Aregbesola emphasized that ADC is driven by patriotic citizens, not a single leader.
“The people are the centre of politics and government, not leaders or political parties,” he stated, warning that any government neglecting citizens’ welfare risks collapse.
“No government could survive without prioritising citizens’ welfare,” he added, noting, “There is a limit to how much hardship people can endure before they react.”
He urged members to focus on grassroots expansion and avoid distractions from “dying political structures” like the APC and PDP.
“We must not repeat the mistakes of APC and PDP. Let us build a people-oriented party from scratch,” Aregbesola said, stressing ADC’s mission to create a nation future generations will cherish.
“Our mission is urgent. ADC will build from the grassroots and avoid needless conflicts.”
PDP Board of Trustees member, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, who led the defectors, described the event as a turning point.
“Our gathering is not just political. It is a convergence of shared values and ideas for national transformation,” he said, underscoring the coalition’s aim to mobilize grassroots participation and provide credible leadership.
Dr. Segun Osho, leading Labour Party defectors, echoed this sentiment: “We are pledging our loyalty to ADC to rescue Lagos and Nigeria from failure.”
ADC chieftain Sen. Kolawole Ogunwale urged members to show commitment beyond words.
“Don’t just support ADC by mouth. Be committed in action and purpose,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that defectors included prominent figures like former Lagos PDP chairmen Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Captain Tunji Shelle, PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central) Tai Benedict, Chief Niyi Adams, and a former PDP Youth Leader. ADC Lagos Chairman Mr. George Ashiru presented the party’s flag, logo, and statement of purpose to Ogunkelu, calling ADC a “credible alternative” and urging members to unite like a “military force preparing for victory.”
The event, attended by ADC national leaders and South-West state chairmen, marked a significant step toward building a people-focused political movement in Nigeria.
NAN
