ADC declared itself an unstoppable political force, likening its rise to the certainty of the sun, while launching a scathing attack on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for making themselves a growing threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In its secretariat report presented by the national secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, at the party’s eighth National Convention in Abuja, on Tuesday, ADC said no individual, group, or institution could determine its existence. The party insisted that its legitimacy stemmed from the will of Nigerians.
ADC stressed that it was founded on constitutional guarantees of freedom of association and driven by what it called widespread public frustration with economic hardship and governance failures.
Describing its mission as a “national rescue effort,” ADC accused the APC-led federal government of presiding over worsening economic conditions, including currency depreciation, rising fuel prices, and declining living standards.
According to the report, naira’s fall from about N700 to the dollar in 2023 to roughly N1,400 currently represents a severe blow to an import-dependent economy.
It also cited the sharp rise in petrol prices—from below N238 per litre to about N1,400—as a major driver of hardship, making transportation unaffordable for many workers.
The party further criticised government’s handling of electricity supply, alleging that power conditions have deteriorated, with some areas receiving only a few hours of electricity daily.
On governance, ADC warned against what it described as “kakistocracy,” and accused the ruling party of attempting to weaken electoral accountability.
It also faulted the administration’s education record, saying the number of out-of-school children has increased to about 20 million, while multidimensional poverty affects over 130 million Nigerians.
The report stated that the current administration had failed to meet key promises and should be held accountable by voters.
ADC accused INEC of failing in its statutory duty by refusing to monitor its convention, describing the move as “dereliction of duty” and evidence of partisan bias.
Citing provisions of the Electoral Act, the party maintained that the commission was legally required to observe political party conventions, especially those involving leadership elections, candidate selection, or merger decisions.
It warned that any attempt to delegitimise its activities would undermine democratic norms and called on the international community to closely monitor developments in Nigeria’s political space.
Despite the tensions, ADC expressed confidence in its growth, saying it has rapidly evolved into a major opposition force within months of restructuring and coalition-building efforts.
The party reaffirmed its readiness to contest and provide leadership ahead of the 2027 general election, urging Nigerians to support what it described as a movement to reclaim the country.
Chuks Okocha and Michael Olugbode
