'ADC is being hijacked by sponsored elements,' says Ondo spokesman
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over attempts by some “sponsored elements” to seize control of the party, even as it insisted the challenge has inadvertently strengthened its
- By Tosin Tope, Akure
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over attempts by some “sponsored elements” to seize control of the party, even as it insisted the challenge has inadvertently strengthened its grassroots structure.
In an interview with The Nation in Akure on Monday, the party’s state spokesman, Eniola Olurotimi, said individuals with no prior involvement or local party presence are trying to take over ahead of the 2027 general election.
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“Some people who did not invest in ADC, who did not contribute to its growth, now want to inherit both the stress and the benefits on the ground,” Olurotimi said, noting that these attempts appear to be sponsored.
He added that the move is being contested by the party’s national leadership under the David Mark-led executive and suggested that it reflects broader efforts by the ruling All Progressives Congress to weaken opposition parties.
Olurotimi, also an aspirant for the Ifedore State House of Assembly seat, stressed that despite the ongoing crisis, the party’s resolve and organizational strength remain intact.
"So, like in Ifedore, I'm concerned about winning for ADC and I'm also concerned about how Nigeria will be rescued from this suffocating effect from the incumbent party. Why do I say suffocating effect? It is glaring that those that want to take over ADC at the national level are being sponsored by the incumbent government of the APC," he alleged.
Olurotimi stressed the importance of a vibrant opposition in a democratic system, warning against the dangers of a one-party state.
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He expressed confidence that the judiciary would not abolish the party, noting that the current dispute was limited to leadership issues.
"So that is the reason why I say ADC by day is becoming more strengthened because people are not being discouraged about moving forward. Nigeria must have opposition as a democratic nation.
"We must have a viable, sustainable opposition party. And where we are going, when nearly all governors have decamped, we are not being afraid but we want to lay our strength on the electorates - those that are voting us, that are voting leaders, are people ADC really wants to measure their strength with," he said.
Olurotimi also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), suggesting bias in the recognition of party leadership.
"We know that no matter how, the court cannot say today that there will be no more ADC. It is not possible. They can only be coming to stress us about the leadership. INEC was there when the leadership of David Mark was being constituted.
"So, if INEC is there today because of a little demonstration of saying they should recognize the factional leader and say they are disregarding David Mark’s name, it shows that INEC is biased. It shows that Amupitan’s effort is to destabilize the democratic system that has been established in the country," Olurotimi said.
He expressed confidence that the party would remain strong and focused on winning the electorate’s support despite the ongoing internal challenges.
