In a major show of unity and reaffirmation of purpose, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) interim leadership, led by former Senate President David Mark and other members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), held a strategic meeting with all 37 state chairmen of the party, including that of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in Abuja on Wednesday.

The meeting, held amid growing political speculations about internal divisions within the ADC, was aimed at dispelling rumours of discontent and consolidating support for the party’s ongoing coalition-building efforts and reorganisation agenda.

Addressing journalists after the closed-door session, ADC’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, clarified the intent behind the meeting, stating, “We invited all the state chairmen to reassure them that we have no intention to shove them aside. The purpose is to dispel all the falsehood and rumours making the rounds that we came to hijack the party from them,” he said.

Abdullahi stressed that the leadership is committed to an inclusive process, describing the state chairmen as “partners in building a stronger political party.”

He said the meeting has succeeded in strengthening the confidence of party leaders across the states.

“They are leaving Abuja today more assured than ever that they are critical stakeholders in the future of the ADC,” he added.

Reacting to recent remarks by the party’s former presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, who had questioned the legitimacy of the coalition process and the emergence of the new leadership, Abdullahi dismissed the concerns, asserting that the party is on solid legal footing.

“A presidential candidate is not an officer of the party; he’s just a member. If anyone has evidence that we have violated our constitution, they are free to challenge it. But so far, no member of the ADC has disagreed with the process,” Abdullahi stated.

Also speaking at the event, Hon. Kingsley Ogga, Chairman of the ADC Forum of State Chairmen and the Kogi State party chairman, reaffirmed the full support of the state chairmen for the interim leadership and the coalition agenda.

“We’ve been involved in this process for almost three years. Every step was deliberated together; nothing was done in isolation. All of us were carried along. So, the allegiance of all the state chairmen is with the current leadership,” Ogga said.

Responding to a question on whether any state chairman might step down in light of the coalition’s reorganisation, Ogga noted that while individuals are free to hold personal views, none had expressed any intention to withdraw or oppose the new leadership.

“Maybe someone might feel differently, but nobody has come out to say so or go against what we are doing,” he said.

The meeting marks a critical moment in the ADC’s efforts to reposition itself as a credible alternative on the national political landscape, especially as it forges ahead with plans to lead a coalition of opposition forces aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic space. (The Guardian)