The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has pledged to give youth and women no less than 50 per cent of elective and appointive positions, describing them as the backbone of Nigeria’s future.
National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola made the commitment on Saturday in Lagos during an event to formally welcome defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and other groups.
In a speech titled “When Good People Unite, Nigerians Win,” Aregbesola, a former Osun governor and Minister of Interior, said ADC is “unquestionably the party of the youth,” adding that its constitution guarantees 35 per cent representation each for women and youth — figures that overlap to ensure a minimum of 50 per cent combined.
“This is not tokenism,” he said. “It is recognition that Nigeria’s future lies in giving voice, space, and power to those who have long been underrepresented.”
Aregbesola stressed that ADC is driven by patriotic Nigerians rather than any single individual. He warned that any government failing to prioritise citizens’ welfare would inevitably lose legitimacy.
“Our mission is to build a nation future generations will be proud to inherit,” he told members, urging them to focus on expanding the party’s base instead of sparring with political opponents. “Let’s sell our ideas to the people and ignore the distractions of dying political structures.”
He criticised both APC and PDP as visionless power-seeking platforms, insisting ADC must avoid repeating their mistakes.
Earlier, PDP Board of Trustees member Abimbola Ogunkelu, who led the defectors, said their move to ADC marked a new era of progressive politics aimed at mobilising grassroots participation and providing trustworthy leadership.
Segun Osho, who led Labour Party defectors, said the coalition was necessary to rescue Nigeria, while ADC chieftain Kolawole Ogunwale called for unity and action: “Don’t just support ADC by mouth. Be committed in action and purpose.”
The defectors included former Lagos PDP chairmen Muritala Ashorobi and Tunji Shelle, PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central) Tai Benedict, and other party stalwarts. They were formally received by ADC Lagos Chairman George Ashiru, who presented them with the party’s flag, logo, and statement of purpose.
