The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong challenge to Nigeria's ruling party, declaring its readiness to rescue the nation from its current challenges by the 2027 general elections. The party's leadership used the unveiling of its South-South regional structure in Benin City to call for a fundamental change in the country's political direction.
A New Chapter for ADC in the South-South
During the significant event held on December 4, 2025, the ADC formally launched its South-South regional structure, marking what it termed a pivotal moment for its expansion. The National Chairman of the party, Senator David Mark, set the tone for the gathering. Represented by the National Chief Whip, Festus Igbinoba, Mark asserted that Nigeria can only realize its full potential when the scourge of corruption is decisively tackled.
"Once corruption is addressed, things will fall into perspective," Mark's statement emphasized. He called for unity, resilience, and renewed dedication among ADC members, framing the Edo State unveiling as the beginning of a new chapter built on integrity, service, and collective progress. The party's ultimate goal, as stated, is to "take the mantle of leadership come 2027."
Leaders Lament National Decline and Issue Rescue Promise
Echoing the chairman's sentiments, prominent party chieftain Chief John Odigie Oyegun delivered a stark assessment of the nation's condition. He lamented that the situation has deteriorated from mere hunger to outright starvation, insisting that the ADC possesses the unique capacity to salvage Nigeria from its present state.
The party's legal adviser, Prof. Osarieme Osunbor, launched a direct critique of the administration led by President Bola Tinubu. He urged Tinubu to emulate the statesmanship of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who famously conceded defeat to Muhammadu Buhari, declaring his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. Osunbor accused the current government of failing to provide security while simultaneously overburdening citizens with taxes.
"Those joining the ADC had long foreseen the APC's failure," Osunbor stated, calling on all Nigerians to unite behind the ADC to oust the ruling party in the next election cycle. He maintained with conviction that his party has the requisite capacity to correct the nation's wrongs.
Edo State Pivotal to ADC's National Ambition
The strategic importance of Edo State to the ADC's national project was a recurring theme. The National Vice Chairman, Usani Uguru Usani, described the state as pivotal to the party's success. He expressed confidence that with the involvement and experience of a figure like Chief Oyegun—who played pioneering roles in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) era and the merger that birthed the APC—the ADC's dream is achievable.
In his address, the ADC Edo State Chairman, Hon. Kennedy Odion, commended stakeholders, political actors, and community leaders for their efforts in forging a strong coalition. "Your dedication demonstrates that when we put the interests of the people first, meaningful collaboration becomes not just possible, but powerful," Odion said.
He reiterated the party's commitment to promoting credible leadership, good governance, and inclusive policies designed to uplift every citizen in Edo State, irrespective of political affiliation. The event was attended by a host of notable figures, including Senator Roland Owie, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, ADC National Chief Whip Mabel Oboh, and South-South Youth Leader Bright Honda, signaling a broad-based support structure for the party in the region.
The ADC's Benin declaration sets the stage for a fiercely contested political landscape leading up to 2027, with the party positioning itself as the credible alternative to a ruling party it accuses of corruption and failure.
