Defectors Are Political Refugees, Says ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is welcoming defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and various other political organizations, according to a recent statement from the party.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, asserted that the defectors arrive as “political refugees” from destabilised parties after they were sidelined or displaced by internal contradictions.

Speaking to reporters, he explained that the party’s constitution prevents individuals or groups from dominating the party, a safeguard he said was introduced after observing the failures in other political platforms.

He said, “We are very conversant with what pushed us here, which are some of the internal contradictions within those parties.

“That is why, in building ADC, we are ensuring that we are starting on a different philosophy of politics. We have leaders, yes, but they cannot tell you that they are in control of the party.

“We are mindful of where we are coming from and what has led to the destabilisation of those other political parties.” 

Abdullahi explained that unchecked ambition had ruined many political parties, stating that ADC had avoided such pitfalls, with no member publicly declaring bids for governorship, Senate, or presidency.

“Even those who want to be president, it’s just rumour. Nobody has come out to say that I want to be president.

“And that’s the kind of discipline that we’re trying to impose on ourselves so that we can build a political party first. After building this party, it will be able to accommodate everybody’s ambition,” he stated.

The ADC spokesman stressed that the party aimed to maintain strong internal unity, while staying alert against any external interference, ensuring that it grows steadily enough to carry every member’s future ambition.

Also, Abdullahi insisted that discussions on zoning are not on the party’s agenda now.

He said the opposition platform’s immediate concern is building a strong and credible opposition that Nigerians can trust.