The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has pledged to prioritise youth and women in governance by reserving at least 50 per cent of elective and appointive positions for them.
The party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on Saturday in Lagos during a ceremony to receive defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and other political groups.
Speaking under the theme “When Good People Unite, Nigerians Win,” Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State and ex-Minister of Interior, described the ADC as a youth-driven party committed to offering Nigerians a credible alternative.
He explained that the party’s constitution guarantees 35 per cent representation for women and another 35 per cent for youths, ensuring their combined presence in leadership structures will never fall below 50 per cent.
“This is not tokenism but a recognition that Nigeria’s future lies in giving voice, space, and power to those who have long been underrepresented,” Aregbesola said.
The ADC chieftain stressed that the party is not controlled by any single individual but by a collective of patriotic citizens determined to rebuild the country. He criticised the hardship and uncertainty confronting Nigerians, warning that any government that fails to prioritise citizens’ welfare risks losing legitimacy.
“Our mission is to build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit. Leadership must meet the basic needs of the people or it will collapse with time,” he declared.
He urged members to focus on strengthening the ADC’s grassroots base rather than engaging in political rivalry. According to him, both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP have lost direction and reduced themselves to mere power-seeking platforms.
“We must not repeat the mistakes of APC and PDP. Let us build a people-oriented party from scratch,” he added.
Earlier, PDP Board of Trustees member, Abimbola Ogunkelu, who led a delegation of defectors, said their move to the ADC marked the beginning of a new era of progressive politics. He noted that the coalition was determined to mobilise grassroots participation and provide Nigerians with trustworthy leadership.
Segun Osho, who led defectors from the Labour Party, also said their decision was motivated by the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from its present challenges.
ADC chieftain Kolawole Ogunwale urged members to demonstrate commitment through action, stressing that “words alone will not guarantee the party’s success.”
Among the notable defectors were former Lagos PDP chairmen, Muritala Ashorobi and Tunji Shelle; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Tai Benedict; Niyi Adams; and a former PDP youth leader.
Lagos ADC chairman, George Ashiru, formally presented the party’s flag, logo, and statement of purpose to Ogunkelu and other new members, symbolising their full integration into the party.
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