In a strategic move to bolster its ranks for future elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially launched a high-powered committee tasked with mobilising, registering, and revalidating party members across Nigeria. The inauguration, which took place on January 8, 2026, at the party's National Secretariat in Abuja, signals the ADC's intensified preparations for the upcoming 2027 general elections and various off-season polls.
Committee Mandate and Composition
National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, inaugurated the 20-member committee, charging it with a critical national assignment. The committee's primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive membership revalidation exercise across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This exercise aims to establish an accurate, credible, and up-to-date membership register for the party, forming the bedrock of its electoral strategy.
Senator Mark emphasised that the ADC was founded on principles of justice, equity, accountability, and people-centred governance. He stated that for these ideals to translate into tangible political success, the party must be built on a solid and verifiable membership base, supported by effective mobilisation structures nationwide. The committee's formation followed a resolution by the party's National Working Committee (NWC).
The committee is led by Kashim Ibrahim as Chairman and Aisha Yesufu as Vice Chairman. Its membership includes prominent figures such as Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement; Dr. Sekode Davis; Senator Nurudeen Abatemi; and former Lagos gubernatorial candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour. Other members are Yomi Arokodare, Femi Fambe, Adijat Ojelade, Abas Anas, Paul Lawrence, Dr. Esther Irebo, Abdullahi Maibushira, Stanley Ekezie, Prof. Festus Arunaye, Jubrin Keana, Mina Horsefall, Shehu Muhammad, and Gbazuagu Nneke.
Internal Democracy and the Makinde Speculation
Amidst the committee's launch, ADC chieftains in Oyo State issued a strong caution against imposition, domination, and undemocratic practices within the party. This warning comes as rumours persist about a potential defection to the ADC by the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde.
A prominent party leader, Mrs. Bolanle Sarumi (Basa), reaffirmed the ADC's commitment to the rule of law, inclusiveness, and internal democracy. She clarified that while the party's doors are open to all Nigerians, including new leaders, every entrant must respect the ADC's established ideology and values of fairness, equity, and collective decision-making.
Addressing the speculation surrounding Governor Makinde, Sarumi noted that the reports remain unconfirmed. However, she indicated that the ADC would welcome the governor warmly if he decides to defect, provided he aligns with the party's guiding philosophy and operates within its democratic framework.
APC Under Fire as Defectors Join ADC in Oyo
The political atmosphere in Oyo State grew more charged as the ADC formally received defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into an emerging coalition under the ADC banner in Egbeda Local Council. The event, held in the Jinanrere area of Alakia, Ibadan, was presided over by the local ADC Chairman, Funso Owoade.
Speaking at the event, the party's governorship aspirant in Oyo, Niyi Aborisade, alongside State Chairman Yinka Olona, launched a scathing critique of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Aborisade declared that the APC had irrevocably lost the confidence of Nigerians due to the severe economic hardship and infrastructural decay plaguing the nation.
"APC can't and won't win elections again because people are dying of hunger and hardship," Aborisade asserted. He highlighted the persistent power crisis, stating that about 80% of Nigerians are in darkness, which cripples businesses and exacerbates the struggle for survival for ordinary families. The ADC leaders confidently predicted that the worsening hunger, economic difficulty, and persistent blackouts would drive Nigerians to vote against the APC in the 2027 general election.
The inauguration of the mobilisation committee and the active reception of defectors mark a significant phase in the ADC's efforts to position itself as a formidable alternative in Nigeria's political landscape, capitalising on widespread discontent with the current administration.
