Aregbesola knocks APC, INEC, says ADC is Nigeria’s hope for 2027
Secretariat Report to the ADC 8th National Convention, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Abuja, by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
I. OPENING: A CONVENTION OF DEFIANCE AND PURPOSE
PROTOCOLS.
We are here today holding the 8th African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Convention despite the desperate attempts of the ruling party and anti-democratic forces, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to emasculate our party. Just as no power can stop the sun from rising, so can the ADC not be stopped.
At no other time in our history has the country’s moral compass been so shamelessly bent as it is now. People who deliberately split the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) are today being falsely robed as “political strategists.” Since when has criminality become a strategy?
The ADC does not, and will never, owe its existence to any individual or group, including an electoral body masquerading as a neutral umpire with its leadership raggedly robed in the attire of political partisanship.
The ADC derives its existence from the aspirations and will of the Nigerian people who are tired of the deceit and mismanagement to which this country is being subjected. We also owe our existence to the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association and the right to belong to any political party.
We are here because the ADC is on a rescue mission to prise the country from the strangulating grasp of the ruling party. The APC is a party which has foisted on the country an electoral law that decriminalises forgery and false claims in electoral documents.
We proclaim our existence because our country is worth all necessary sacrifices.
II. THE STATE OF THE NATION: A COUNTRY IN DIRE STRAITS
We cannot allow kakistocracy in Nigeria. The evidence is overwhelming and demands urgent attention.
The Economy
The government’s claim of economic improvement is false. The exchange rate has moved from about N700 to the dollar in 2023 to about N1,400, representing a 100 per cent devaluation. In an import-dependent economy, this is devastating. Fuel prices have also risen from N185–N238 per litre to about N1,400, making transportation and living costs unbearable.
Power Supply
Power supply is worse, with some areas receiving only two hours daily or none for weeks. A government that made promises to fix electricity has failed woefully.
“Renewed Hope” is a scam. Nigerians are still being told about hope three years into a four-year tenure. This is deception and must be rejected.
Education
Out-of-school children have increased from 18.3 million to about 20 million, pushing more young people into poverty and insecurity.
Security and Empathy Deficit
Insecurity has worsened, with banditry and terrorism spreading nationwide. Even more troubling is the lack of empathy shown by leadership during national tragedies, where affected communities are often ignored.
Nigeria is in dire straits, and the ADC is on a rescue mission. Citizens must take a stand, because neutrality in times of crisis is complicity.
III. THE RISE OF THE NEW ADC
The ADC has, within nine months of its unveiling on July 2, 2025, become a major opposition force and the hope of Nigerians. The party has strengthened its structures nationwide in preparation for 2027.
The Birth of the New ADC: A Legal and Democratic Process
On March 27, 2025, the NEC met in Abuja and approved waivers to party rules on eligibility, in a meeting observed by INEC officials. The resolutions were formally communicated to INEC.
On May 15, 2025, another NEC meeting suspended parts of the constitution and empowered the leadership to pursue coalition-building and restructuring.
The July 2, 2025 NWC meeting constituted a caretaker leadership structure, naming Senator David Mark as National Chairman, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, and Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary.
These decisions were later ratified by NEC on July 29, 2025, with INEC acknowledgement and recognition of the new leadership.
IV. THE LEGAL BASIS OF THIS 8TH NATIONAL CONVENTION
INEC is constitutionally required to attend and monitor party conventions under the Electoral Act 2026. Section 82(3) mandates its presence at such events.
The ADC fulfilled its obligation by giving the required notice to INEC. The refusal of INEC to attend amounts to dereliction of duty and undermines democratic principles.
There is no legal basis for invalidating this convention, as the party complied fully with statutory requirements. The ADC remains a registered political party with full legal standing.
We reject any attempt to delegitimise our activities. The ADC remains the strongest opposition force capable of challenging the ruling party in 2027.
We call on the international community to take note of anti-democratic trends and the erosion of electoral neutrality in Nigeria.
V. PARTY DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES
The ADC inaugurated its national secretariat at 121 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Abuja, which has become a hub of party activities.
The party has completed a constitutional review aimed at strengthening internal democracy, inclusion, and accountability. The revised constitution is before this convention for adoption.
A nationwide membership registration and revalidation exercise was launched on February 12, 2026, combining physical and electronic processes.
The party has also finalised its policy and manifesto, which has been approved by NEC and is presented for ratification.
VI. ELECTIONS, PRIMARIES AND POLITICAL ALLIANCES
The ADC participated in recent elections, including the Anambra governorship poll and FCT local government elections, where it did not win due to incumbency advantages and funding constraints. Lessons have been learned.
The party is preparing for upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
It has also engaged in discussions with other opposition parties, including PDP, SDP, NNPP and PRP, to build a united front ahead of 2027.
A multiparty summit is being planned to strengthen opposition collaboration.
VII. PERSECUTION OF OPPOSITION
The ADC decries what it describes as the persecution of opposition figures through state agencies.
It alleges that agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, DSS and police are being used to intimidate political opponents.
It cites cases involving several politicians currently facing investigations or detention, describing them as politically motivated.
Opposition, it argues, is being treated as a crime in Nigeria, which undermines democracy.
As stated in the philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo: opposition is the institutional conscience of democracy. Nigeria must remain a true multiparty republic.
We say boldly: NO TO CORONATION.
VIII. CONGRESSES AND CONVENTION TIMELINE
The ADC conducted its polling unit, ward and local government congresses on April 9, 2026, and state congresses on April 11, 2026.
The national convention is holding today, April 14, 2026, in Abuja.
All activities were carried out in line with the party constitution and ratified by NEC on March 25, 2026.
IX. CLOSING DECLARATION
Distinguished delegates, it is those who stand for principle that win. The ADC stands firm, and victory will belong to the Nigerian people.
The theme of this convention remains:
“So that Nigeria will work for FREEDOM, SECURITY AND PROSPERITY.”
Let us work together to realise this vision for our country and for the black race.
