A former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has said that only the party can rescue the country from its challenges
“If you check from the ADC DNA, the best party and the only party that can save this country and put it on a trajectory of development that the world and our people expect of us is the ADC.
“We talk about Nafiu Bala as a faction. How can an individual be a faction? This is a plot of the All Progressive Party (APC).”
The ADC chieftain claimed President Bola Tinubu has “dominated” Lagos politics, overriding the city’s diversity and sophistication while “weakening opposition parties and aligning them with the APC”.
“When he became the president, he imagined and thought that he could do the same thing as far as Nigeria is concerned, and that is what Nigerians are resisting.
“It’s not about me, nor ADC, but we have provided Nigerians and patriots the clear vehicle to be able to resist this monstrous force. That’s what is going on. We didn’t expect it to be easy. I don’t think anyone in this country expected it to be easy because they say he is Jagaban. He is going to box his way through,” he added
His comment follows the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s decision not to accept interaction from the David-Mark or Rafiu Bala-led group of the ADC, following a verdict by the Court of Appeal.
The development led the ADC to protest at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, accusing the umpire of working for the All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining democracy.
Nwosu said the actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were wrong, prompting them to visit the agency’s office to protest the decision.
“The INEC interpretation is wrong, the Court of Appeal is wrong, and they are all influenced by the Jagaban of Nigerian politics. It is now clear that the Amupitan is an APC member,” he said.
“The Jagaban of Nigeria appears to have merged several parties to into the APC, and seems to have influenced some agencies and members of the judiciary to act in its favor, but we are going to resist this to the very end.”
Nwosu handed over to Mark as the chairman of the party last year after he resigned his position. However, Nafiu Bala, who was then the National Vice Chairman, claimed he ought to have assumed the post following the resignation of the ADC founder.
The former Senate president and other politicians like Peter Obi, Rauf Aregbesola, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi adopted the ADC as the platform for the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ladoja explained that prospective entrants into the Olubadan line, particularly at the Jagun level, which serves as the entry point, must now meet defined criteria, including educational exposure, visible means of livelihood, and verifiable contributions to community development.
“The Olubadan Advisory Council is in full support of the reform, noting that three different screening committees were set up to assess applications from interested Mogajis.
“We have resolved that once there is a vacancy for Jagun, interested Mogajis should apply with demonstrable and verifiable evidence of their contributions to grassroots development,” he said.
The monarch congratulated the new Jagun Olubadan for emerging successful among 102 applicants, describing his selection as well deserved.
“We will not like God to sanction us for refusing to give honour to whom it is due,” Ladoja added.
He, however, commended other applicants for their efforts in community development and urged them not to be discouraged, noting that only one slot was available.
In his remarks, Alabi pledged to intensify efforts towards youth empowerment, education, and grassroots development across Ibadanland.
“We will continue to improve the ability of our youths to be employed and empowered. We have been doing this, but now it will be more structured and visible.”
He also reiterated his commitment to community security, stressing that safeguarding lives and property must begin at the grassroots.
“The city can only be secure if the communities are secure. It starts from within our local areas.”
On the issue of land grabbing, the newly installed Jagun aligned with the Olubadan’s stance, describing the act as unnecessary.
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