ABUJA, Sept. 14, 2025 – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reaffirmed its unity and declared readiness to dialogue with aggrieved members, while warning sternly against “ulterior motives” aimed at destabilising the opposition party.
The ADC Interim National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Bola Abdullahi, made this known on Saturday in Abuja while briefing newsmen. He alleged that some political agents were attempting to destabilise the ADC, similar to what had happened in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP).
“We have people, even within leadership ranks, who voluntarily resigned their positions. Some have also expressed grievances against the party,” Abdullahi said.
He explained that the party had recognised genuine grievances and addressed them satisfactorily, but warned that it would not appease those acting with “clear ulterior motives.”
“But when people act belligerently, with clear ulterior motives to destabilise the party, we cannot continue appeasing such individuals,” he stated.
Abdullahi stressed that “the ADC is united and not factionalised in any way,” noting that the new leadership emerged from the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting duly observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He dismissed reports that a recent court order restrained the party’s leadership from functioning, insisting that such claims were false and misleading. According to him, the court merely adjourned the matter to September 15 and did not invalidate the new leadership.
“The court only rejected the prayer and requested our appearance on 15 September. INEC has already recognised our leadership,” he clarified.
The ADC spokesman further emphasised that the party leadership remained focused despite distractions.
“We’ve taken our decisions, moved on, and are focused on building our party,” he said, adding that with INEC’s recognition, “Sen. David Mark and Mr Rauf Aregbesola can legitimately sign and issue membership cards.”
Abdullahi also responded to claims by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dr Dumebi Kachikwu, that the new leadership was an “assemblage of retired politicians.” He maintained that Kachikwu, not being a member of ADC, lacked the authority to comment on its affairs.
He urged the public not to judge the party by its performance in the recent by-election, which came shortly after its leadership restructuring.
“For us, the by-election outcome is not a true measure of our strength. The ruling party will be shocked in future contests,” he declared.
On governance, Abdullahi urged the ruling party to be truthful with statistics on appointments, projects, and programmes across the country. Responding to whether four years was enough to assess the current administration, he noted that performance should be measured by direction and impact, not just time.
“Some elected leaders have delivered sterling performances within their first term in office,” Abdullahi added. GMTNewsng
