Corruption, Ticket-trading, Manipulation Determine Leadership In APC — David Mark

The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a corrupt political party where money, ticket trading, and the manipulation of primaries determine leadership.

ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, stated this in Asaba, Delta State capital, on Wednesday at the party’s new state headquarters, during the formal inauguration of Delta State Leadership Management Committee (DSLMT), where he assured that such malpractices will not occur in the party.

The event was attended by top national leaders of the party, including former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and ADC’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), Babachir Lawal.

Others include the National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the party, Usani Uguru Usani, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs; the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, a former Minister of Sports; and Olorogun Great Ogboru, a former governorship candidate, among others.

Represented by Lawal, the national chairman outlined the party’s expectations for the newly inaugurated DSLMT, emphasising adherence to the ADC Constitution and operational guidelines.

He warned against corruption, ticket trading, or the manipulation of primaries, practices that he said were common in other political parties.

“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,” Lawal assured.

He explained that all leadership positions must adhere to internal party procedures and that committee members should actively integrate women, youth, and coalition members from other political parties.

“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 said.

Additionally, the national publicity secretary, Abdullahi, highlighted the role of the ADC as the remaining credible opposition party in Nigeria.

“By 2027, they want only the 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,” he said.

He said the party’s mission was not only political but also a national rescue effort aimed at giving ordinary Nigerians a platform to participate meaningfully in governance.

“ADC is the hope of ordinary Nigerians. Our processes are open, transparent, and designed to include every stakeholder,” Abdullahi added.

In his remarks, Usani urged ADC members in the Niger Delta region to stand firm and not allow past political experiences to instil fear.

Usani emphasised that the party’s internal processes are transparent and accountable, and dismissed speculation about division within the ADC as “a storm in a teacup that will be settled.

Also, Ogboru described the inauguration as a historic milestone for Delta State politics, which he said had lacked effective opposition for decades.

He praised the coalition members for the ADC as a strategic move to strengthen democracy in the state.

“Some believed there would no longer be an opposition in Delta State because they thought that by moving PDP leaders to the APC, the matter was settled. But unfortunately for them, man proposes, God disposes.

“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.

“Nigerians and the ADC believe that we must have a democracy. And for democracy to exist, there must be a credible alternative. And for that alternative to be meaningful, the people must make the decision. We are here to create that alternative—an opportunity for the people of Delta State to choose. To say: “I will take this; I will not take that.”

“Whatever happens going forward—whether in our favour or against us—the most important thing is that the decision must come from the people of Delta state. Never again should this state be known as a place without opposition or a place where they said only one political party existed,” Ogboru stated.

Those inaugurated included Olorogun Ogboru, Deacon Kennedy Pela, Hon. Uloho Obaro, Engr. Austin Okolie, Hon. George Timinimi and Hon. Emeka Ozegbe.