Ahead of the formal launch of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, today, Wednesday, as the official platform by the opposition coalition movement, a faction of the party has rejected the decision.
Leading the faction is one Musa Isa Matara, who parades as a factional National Publicity Secretary of the ADC.
In a statement he issued, Matara warned that the ADC is not a "private coalition platform" to be hijacked by political elites.
He claimed that critical stakeholders, including state executive committee members and ward leaders of the party were not consulted prior to the adoption of the ADC as the official platform of the coalition.
“We warn those coming into the ADC as part of this imposed arrangement to tread carefully.
“Be mindful that some few individuals are attempting to sell out the soul of our party for personal gain.
“The ADC is not for sale. It belongs to its members, not political merchants or elite dealmakers,” he warned.
NATIONAL POST reported yesterday that ADC had been adopted by the Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr Peter Obi-led coalition, with its official unveiling set to hold today in Abuja.
Former Senate President, David Mark was named the interim National Chairman, while Raul Aregbesola was named Interim National Secretary.
However, Matara insisted that the party leadership had no prior knowledge of these developments and reaffirmed their rejection of what he called an “imposed arrangement.”
He emphasized that while the ADC welcomes the idea of forming alliances, it would not accept what appears to be a hostile takeover.
He further noted that the appointments announced at the meeting carry no weight, as they were not ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee or a national convention.
“The claim that the ADC has become the ‘platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group’ is misleading.
“Our millions of members have not been informed or carried along in this so-called coalition.
“If anyone is attempting to force an opposition merger without grassroots consent, they are trampling on democratic ethics and party sovereignty.
“Let it be known to those who are trooping into our party under this chaotic coalition arrangement that the ADC has been battling unresolved legal crises since the 2023 general elections.
“These matters remain in court and unresolved. Any coalition attempt built on such shaky legal ground is irresponsible and potentially self-destructive,” he warned.