A political group, Concerned Stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) yesterday faulted the process that led to the appointment of a former governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as Interim National Secretary of the Party, stating that the process lacks merit and is without democratic qualities.
A letter signed by Dr. Musa Isa Matara, National Publicity Secretary, ADC, addressed to party leaders, members, and the general pubic, made available to our correspondent on Wednesday, stated: “While we appreciate the enthusiasm with which Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has delivered his acceptance speech as Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), we must urgently and firmly reject the premise and process behind this appointment, an appointment that lacks due process, transparency, and the broad-based legitimacy expected in a democratic political party.”
According to the group, “the ADC is not a private coalition platform to be hijacked by any elite group or individuals regardless of how eloquent or ideologically polished their speeches may sound. Our party has structures, leadership organs, youth and women wings, and constitutional guidelines, none of which were consulted or respected in the announcement of this so-called “appointment.”
The group therefore objected to Aregbesols’s appointment stating that it is not legitimate. The group asked rhetorically: “Who appointed Gov. Aregbesola? Which organ of the ADC ratified this appointment? Was the National Executive Committee (NEC) involved? Were state chairmen, youth leaders, and elected national officers consulted?”
“If the answer is no, as it clearly is, then this ‘appointment’ is null and void,” the correspondence stated.
The group further cited false coalition claims as another factor that undermined Aregbesola’s appointment, stating: “The claim that the ADC has become the ‘platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group’ is misleading. Our millions of members have not been informed or carried along in this so-called coalition. 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.
“Ironically, the speech talks about internal democracy, ideological discipline, and inclusiveness—yet the very process by which Gov. Aregbesola emerges contradicts every word he just spoke. Democracy cannot begin with imposition. The ADC must not become another replica of the broken parties we seek to replace.
“The idea that “the party must be supreme” cannot be used as a tool to silence dissent or sideline authentic party stakeholders. Party supremacy begins with consultation and consensus, not executive pronouncements disguised as patriotic rhetoric.
“For a speech that claims to care about youth inclusion, where was the youth wing of the ADC in all this? Were youth leaders, women leaders, or even ward structures consulted? Or is this just another top-down recycling of elite political control in progressive clothing?
“We stand firmly on the side of accountable leadership, transparent decision-making, and a people-powered party structure. Any process that excludes the very people it claims to serve is undemocratic and must be challenged.
The group called on all genuine stakeholders of the ADC across states, zones, and demographic groups to reject what it described as the attempted takeover of the ADC.
