By Abubakar Yunusa
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), has rejected support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election while inaugurating its zonal and state congress and appeal committees in Abuja.
The inauguration, held on Sunday, was led by the factional National Chairman of the party, Hon. Nafiu Bala.
Speaking at the event, Bala said the establishment of the committees was aimed at strengthening the party’s internal structure and ensuring adherence to democratic principles.
According to him, the committees are mandated to oversee the planning and conduct of congresses at zonal, state, local government and ward levels.
He said they would also enforce constitutional compliance, implement congress guidelines and ensure that voting procedures, ballot handling and result declaration comply with the Electoral Act.
Bala urged party members to remain united and committed to building what he described as a credible opposition platform.
“We must ensure that our party remains a beacon of hope for all Nigerians, a platform where the aspirations of our people are nurtured and their voices amplified,” he said.
He also thanked the party’s National Working Committee for its role in setting up the committees.
Addressing recent political comments, Bala distanced the party from a statement by Hon. Leke Joseph Abijide endorsing President Tinubu for a second term in office.
“I want to categorically distance the leadership of ADC from the statement made by Hon. Leke Joseph Abijide in support of President Bola Tinubu for 2027 re-election,” Bala said.
According to him, the endorsement does not reflect the position of the ADC as an opposition party.
“This statement does not represent the African Democratic Congress. We reject any association with it and reaffirm our stance as a strong opposition force in Nigeria’s political space,” he added.
Bala called on party leaders and members to work together to build a stronger and more united party ahead of future political engagements.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Congress Committee for the North-West geopolitical zone, Dr Abimikun Monday, said the inauguration marked a significant step in repositioning the African Democratic Congress.
He said the newly inaugurated zonal leadership would play a critical role in strengthening the party’s structure across all levels.
“We have just inaugurated the zonal chairman for the North-West zone congresses of the ADC. Today marks a milestone in our efforts to reposition the leadership of the party across all strata,” he said.
Monday said the assignment reflected the confidence reposed in the committee by the party’s national leadership.
“The responsibility given to us is evidence of the trust placed in us to deliver for the Nigerian people and for the African Democratic Congress,” he added.
He commended the commitment of the national chairman to rebuilding the party despite internal challenges.
“This shows how committed the national chairman is to repositioning the ADC, despite the imbroglio rocking the party from other quarters,” Monday said.
He assured the party leadership of the committee’s support and readiness to deliver on its mandate.
“We want to assure the chairman of our strong support. We will deliver on the responsibility given to us,” he said.
According to him, the committee’s mandate includes overseeing the planning and conduct of zonal, state and local government congresses across the zone.
“Our job is to oversee the planning and execution of the zonal congresses, as well as state and local government congresses, and to ensure that everything is done in line with the ADC constitution and approved guidelines,” Monday said.
He also stressed the need for strict adherence to the Electoral Act.
“We will ensure that the provisions of the Electoral Act of Nigeria are strictly complied with throughout the process,” he said.
Monday said he accepted the responsibility with full commitment.
“As committee chairman, I hereby accept this responsibility wholeheartedly,” he said.
