The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified its campaign to position itself as the party of the people, with its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, stressing that no government can survive if it neglects the welfare of its citizens.
Speaking in Lagos on Saturday during a reception for new defectors from major political parties, Aregbesola described the ADC as a platform built on the principles of inclusivity, internal democracy, and grassroots development.
He warned that governments that disregard the needs of the people eventually lose relevance and collapse, noting that Nigeria is already facing a period of hardship and uncertainty under the current leadership.
The event saw prominent politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Labour Party (LP) officially defect to the ADC.
Among them were former PDP Lagos Chairmen Muritala Ashorobi and Tunji Shelley, ex-Vice Chairman (Lagos Central) Tai Benedict, and former state Youth Leader Chief Niyi Adams, alongside several other party chieftains.
Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior, underscored the importance of prioritising the youth and women in governance, pointing out that the ADC constitution guarantees 35 percent representation each for both groups.
He said this arrangement not only ensures inclusivity but also makes the ADC the party with the strongest commitment to empowering Nigeria’s future generations.
He further explained that unlike many other political organisations dominated by individuals, the ADC is a collective of citizens determined to rescue the country from decline.
According to him, the party’s approach is to rebuild Nigeria from the grassroots, focusing on constructive engagement rather than divisive politics.
Addressing the defectors, Aregbesola tasked them with the responsibility of helping to strengthen the party at the community level, adding that their collective mission was to rescue Nigeria and rebuild it into a nation future generations would be proud to inherit.
Also present at the gathering was former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, represented by Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo. He described the ADC as more than just a political party, but a movement of Nigerians united by the vision of a better country.
The ADC leadership reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, grassroots mobilisation, and citizen-driven governance, positioning itself as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.
