The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a new Leadership Management Team for Delta State, a move the party says will strengthen its structure in the Niger Delta and establish the ADC as a major opposition force before the 2027 general elections.
The inauguration, held on Wednesday at the party’s newly opened state secretariat in Asaba, drew several prominent national figures. In attendance were former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and National Vice Chairman (North-East), Babachir David Lawal, who represented the National Chairman, Senator David Mark; National Vice Chairman (South-South) and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani; National Publicity Secretary and former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi; and former governorship candidate Olorogun Great Ogboru, among others.
Speaking on behalf of Senator David Mark, Babachir Lawal outlined the expectations for the newly inaugurated Transition Management Committee. He stressed strict adherence to the ADC constitution and warned members against bribery, ticket-buying, and primary election manipulation—common practices he said the ADC will not tolerate.
Using an example from other parties, he said:
“In APC, someone may win a primary, but another person pays money in Abuja and the name changes. It will not happen in ADC. Don’t waste your money or energy. Do the right thing, and the right thing will be done.”
He urged the new team to run an inclusive administration by integrating women, young people, and coalition members from different political backgrounds.
“Even your opponent can vote for you if you include him. The work of this committee is to build harmony and ensure everybody feels a sense of belonging,” he added.
Lawal also praised Delta State party leaders for their dedication and called on members to support efforts to build a strong and united ADC across the state.
‘Fear Has No Place in ADC,’ Says Usani
National Vice Chairman (South-South), Usani Uguru Usani, encouraged party members to be courageous and not let past political disappointments intimidate them.
“Any man who carries fear does not belong to the ADC,” he said.
He assured members that the party’s internal systems are transparent and dismissed rumours of division within the ADC, describing such claims as “a storm in a teacup.”
ADC Is the Last Standing Opposition — Abdullahi
In his remarks, National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC remains the only credible opposition platform left in Nigeria, claiming that political forces aim to weaken all alternatives to the ruling party by 2027.
“By 2027, they want only APC standing. But today, ADC is the last man standing. We may not have billions or governors, but we have the people—and we have God on our side.”
Abdullahi stressed that the party’s mission goes beyond politics, describing it as a national rescue effort to give ordinary Nigerians a voice in governance.
Ogboru: ‘Delta State Finally Has a Real Opposition Again’
Giving his speech and vote of thanks, Olorogun Great Ogboru said the inauguration marked a historic turning point for Delta politics, which he argued has lacked genuine opposition for decades.
He also described the new party office and leadership team as “remarkable achievements.”
Ogboru criticised attempts by larger parties to dominate politics in Delta State and said those expecting the end of opposition in the state had underestimated the ADC.
“They never imagined that a seemingly small and obscure party like the ADC would rise and say No to dictatorship. And there is only one thing that stops dictators—you say NO to them.”
He made it clear that he does not engage in vote-buying and urged critics to “be careful” with their accusations.
Calling for genuine democracy, Ogboru said:
“For democracy to exist, there must be a credible alternative. The people must be able to choose. Never again should Delta State be known as a place where only one political party exists.”
He encouraged all Delta residents to embrace the ADC as a new platform for political choice.
The new state leadership inaugurated includes:
Olorogun Great Ovedje Ogboru, Dcn Kennedy Pela, Hon. Uloho Obaro, Engr. Austin Okolie, Hon. George Timinimi, and Hon. Emeka Ozegbe.
The ceremony ended with a renewed commitment to building a stronger, unified, and people-centred ADC in Delta State.
