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First Crisis Hits ADC as Party Leadership Objects to Aregbesola’s Nomination as National Secretary ...Declares party not for highest bidder
Effort by the Atiku led opposition coalition to unite opposition forces under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has hit the rock as leadership of the party are resisting the proposed appointment of former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as Interim National Secretary.
A faction within the party, led by ADC National Publicity Secretary Dr. Musa Isa Matara, has openly condemned the move, labeling it an attempted hostile takeover.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the group dismissed Aregbesola’s nomination, declaring that the ADC will not be auctioned to the highest bidder.
Matara in the statement, drew the line, asserting that bo self-appointed leader can claim to speak for ADC nationally until a legitimate Convention or NEC formally ratifies such authority—anything less is a constitutional betrayal.
“We are not opposed to coalitions. We are not opposed to reform. But we are opposed to hijack, to imposition, and to speeches that sound revolutionary but hide elitist intentions beneath poetic language,” the stakeholders, which include women and youth groups of the party, noted.
Key party leaders reveal that neither the National Executive Committee (NEC), state chairmen, youth leaders, nor elected national officers were consulted regarding Aregbesola’s surprise installation as Interim National Secretary – a move they describe as a blatant violation of due process.
They further dismissed claims of ADC transforming into a “National Opposition Coalition Platform” as deceptive, stressing that millions of grassroots members remain unaware of – and excluded from – these controversial alliance negotiations.
They said: “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.
“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.”