ASABA//Nigeria: The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday inaugurated a new Leadership Management Team for Delta State, a move the party says will strengthen its political structures in the Niger Delta and position the ADC as a formidable opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ceremony, held at the party’s newly opened state secretariat in Asaba, attracted several prominent national leaders. Among them were former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and National Vice Chairman (North-East), Babachir David Lawal, who represented the National Chairman, Senator David Mark; National Vice Chairman (South-South) and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani; National Publicity Secretary and former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi; and former governorship candidate, Olorogun Great Ogboru.
Speaking on behalf of Senator David Mark, Babachir Lawal charged the newly inaugurated Transition Management Committee to uphold the ADC constitution with absolute discipline. He warned members against bribery, ticket-buying, and the manipulation of primary elections—malpractices he said would never be tolerated in the ADC.
“In APC, someone may win a primary, but another person pays money in Abuja and the name changes. It will not happen in ADC. Don’t waste your money or energy. Do the right thing, and the right thing will be done,” he said.
Lawal urged the new leadership to promote inclusiveness by integrating women, youths, and coalition partners from other political backgrounds. “Even your opponent can vote for you if you include him. The work of this committee is to build harmony and ensure everybody feels a sense of belonging,” he added.
He commended party leaders in Delta State for their dedication and encouraged members to support the push to build a stronger and more united ADC.
‘Fear Has No Place in ADC,’ Says Usani
National Vice Chairman (South-South), Usani Uguru Usani, urged members to embrace courage and not allow past political setbacks to intimidate them.
“Any man who carries fear does not belong to the ADC,” he declared, dismissing rumours of internal division as “a storm in a teacup.”
ADC Is the Last Standing Opposition — Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the ADC as the only credible opposition platform left in Nigeria, warning that political forces were working to eliminate alternatives to the ruling party ahead of 2027.
“By 2027, they want only APC standing. But today, ADC is the last man standing. We may not have billions or governors, but we have the people—and we have God on our side,” he said.
He emphasised that the ADC’s mission transcends politics, calling it a national rescue effort to give ordinary Nigerians a voice in governance.
Ogboru: ‘Delta State Finally Has a Real Opposition Again’
In his remarks and vote of thanks, Olorogun Great Ogboru said the inauguration marked a turning point in Delta politics, which he argued has lacked a genuine opposition for decades. He praised the new office and leadership structure as “remarkable achievements.”
Ogboru condemned attempts by dominant political parties to suppress opposition voices and said the ADC’s rise has unsettled those banking on one-party dominance.
“They never imagined that a seemingly small and obscure party like the ADC would rise and say No to dictatorship. And there is only one thing that stops dictators—you say NO to them,” he said.
Rejecting claims of vote-buying, Ogboru urged critics to be cautious and insisted on the need for true democratic competition.
“For democracy to exist, there must be a credible alternative. The people must be able to choose. Never again should Delta State be known as a place where only one political party exists.”
He called on Delta residents to embrace the ADC as a new platform for political choice.
The newly inaugurated state leadership includes Olorogun Great Ovedje Ogboru, Dcn Kennedy Pela, Hon. Uloho Obaro, Engr. Austin Okolie, Hon. George Timinimi, and Hon. Emeka Ozegbe.
The event concluded with renewed commitments to building a stronger, united, and people-focused ADC in Delta State.
