Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has issued a framework for its activities and operations going into the polls.
This comes amid high expectations from opposition politicians and other disenchanted Nigerians who are aggrieved with the situation of things in the country.
NATIONAL POST recalls that weeks back, opposition politicians adopted ADC as the official platform with which to take power from President Bola Tinubu.
Those interested in flying the party’s presidential flag include: former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Mr Rotimi Amaechi, who has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC.
While Atiku and Amaechi have fully identified with the ADC, Obi said he was still a member of the Labour Party.
Apparently sending a clear message to Obi and others who are still holding on to their political platforms, the ADC leadership said it would not tolerate anti-party.
The warning was issued by the Interim National Chairman of the party, Senator David Mark during the party’s National Executive Council, NEC, meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mark also announced that the party has robust plans for youths below the age of 40 years, as well as women.
While thanking the former National Chairman, Mr Ralph Nwosu for relinquishing his position, Mark assured the members that under his leadership, “we shall be committed to full democratic practices and principles that abhor imposition and special privileges. Internal democracy, transparency and accountability will be our mantra.
“We will guarantee collective leadership at all levels.
“We will build a technically competent bureaucracy for the party and ensure a structured financing. All members will truly own the party.
“We will be fair and just to all party members. We promise to be totally transparent. ADC will have zero tolerance for anti-party and other forms of indiscipline.
“We shall revamp our grassroots leadership structures to reflect modern realities. From the polling units, wards up to the national level, every organ will be re-energized.”
On the plans for the youths and the women, he had this to say: “We will open the gates for the next generation. Our policies, nominations, and leadership roles will reflect meaningful inclusion of youths and women and not just tokenism.
“This is why we have reserved 35% of our leadership positions for women. It is also our commitment to have youths below the age of 40 years in our leadership.
“Within the shortest possible time, the NWC will raise committees to review the manifesto and the constitution of our party to meet and reflect the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
“We shall clearly articulate what we stand for. Nigerians must know us as a party driven by unblemished ideology, progressive policies, and patriotic governance.”
He announced that in the coming days, the party shall announce a 50-Member Policy Committee to cover health, education, agriculture, technology, security, economy, infrastructure and other services.
“This underlines ADC’s focus in achieving good governance for Nigerians.
“Finally, we invite all Nigerians to join our party. ADC is the only party that guarantees equal opportunity to everyone regardless of age, gender, religion or region. Our handshake is across all divides,” he further stated.
Our correspondent reports that there have been rumours surrounding Peter Obi’s next step.
Within the last few days, speculations have been rife that he is returning to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, where he will fly the party’s flag.