In a strongly worded response to Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s recent self-appointment as Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Musa Isa Matara, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, has condemned the move as illegitimate and undemocratic.
Addressing party leaders, members, and Nigerians, Dr. Matara emphasized that the ADC is not a “one-man project” nor a platform to be hijacked by any individual or elite coalition without due process. He described Aregbesola’s acceptance speech as lacking transparency and broad-based legitimacy, warning that the appointment was made without consultation of key party organs such as the National Executive Committee (NEC), state chairmen, youth and women leaders, or ward coordinators.
Key Objections Raised by ADC Spokesperson
No Legitimate Mandate:
Dr. Matara questioned who authorized Aregbesola’s appointment and highlighted the absence of ratification by any recognized ADC body. Without NEC approval or grassroots consultation, the appointment is “null and void.”
Misleading Coalition Claims:
The claim that the ADC has become the platform for the National Opposition Coalition Group was dismissed as misleading. The party’s millions of members were not informed or involved in any such coalition discussions, and any forced merger without grassroots consent undermines party sovereignty.
Unresolved Legal Issues:
The ADC is currently embroiled in ongoing legal battles dating back to the 2023 general elections. Dr. Matara cautioned that any coalition formed amid this legal uncertainty is “irresponsible and potentially self-destructive.”
Warning to Incoming Members:
Those joining the ADC under the current arrangement were urged to be cautious, as some individuals are allegedly attempting to “sell out the soul” of the party for personal gain. The ADC, he stressed, “belongs to its members, not political merchants or elite dealmakers.”
Contradiction in Democratic Claims:
Despite Aregbesola’s rhetoric about internal democracy and inclusiveness, the process by which he emerged contradicts these values. Dr. Matara warned against replicating the undemocratic culture of other political parties.
Party Supremacy Requires Consultation:
The spokesperson clarified that party supremacy cannot be used to silence dissent or exclude authentic stakeholders. True supremacy is rooted in consultation and consensus, not unilateral executive decisions.
Youth and Women’s Wings Excluded:
The ADC youth and women leaders were notably absent from the process, raising questions about the sincerity of claims to youth inclusion and grassroots participation.
ADC’s Firm Stand
Dr. Matara concluded by calling on all genuine ADC stakeholders nationwide to reject what he described as an attempted takeover. The party is open to coalitions and reforms but firmly opposes imposition and elite hijacking disguised as revolutionary rhetoric.
He reiterated that no leadership changes can be considered legitimate without a constitutionally backed National Convention or NEC approval. Until then, no individual has the moral or legal authority to represent the ADC nationally.
“Long live ADC. Long live the voices of true democracy. Long live the grassroots members who will not be silenced,” the statement declared.
This response from the ADC highlights ongoing tensions within the party as it navigates leadership disputes and coalition politics ahead of the next electoral cycle.