The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday unveiled its newly constituted Delta State Leadership Management Team, signaling a bold push to expand its influence in the Niger Delta and stake its claim as Nigeria’s most credible opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The inauguration, held at the party’s newly opened state headquarters in Asaba, drew an impressive lineup of national figures. Among them were former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and National Vice Chairman (North-East), Babachir David Lawal, who represented the National Chairman, Sen. David Mark; National Vice Chairman (South-South), Usani Uguru Usani; National Publicity Secretary and former Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi; and former governorship candidate, Chief Great Ogboru.
Speaking on behalf of the National Chairman, Mr. Babachir Lawal delivered a firm charge to the new Transition Management Committee, urging strict adherence to the ADC Constitution while warning against the entrenched vices of corruption, ticket-trading, and manipulation of primaries that plague other parties.
“In some parties, you win a primary today, and tomorrow your victory is sold off in Abuja. That will never happen in ADC,” Lawal said. “Don’t waste your money or your conscience. Do the right thing, and the ADC will stand by you. This leadership must prioritize inclusion—women, youths, and coalition partners must all have a seat at the table.”
He added that the committee’s foremost duty is to build unity: “Even your opponent can become your supporter if you embrace him. Harmony is our strength.”
Reinforcing this message, National Vice Chairman (South-South), Usani Uguru Usani, urged members to reject fear and political intimidation. “Any man who carries fear does not belong in the ADC,” he declared. He dismissed rumours of internal divisions as “a storm in a teacup,” insisting the party remains united and focused. “Anyone promoting division will fail. Our processes are transparent, and our resolve is unshaken.”
In his remarks, National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi positioned the ADC as Nigeria’s last surviving pillar of accountable opposition.
“By 2027, they want only the APC standing,” he said. “But today, ADC is the last man standing. We may not have billions or governors, but we have the people—and we have God. ADC remains the hope of ordinary Nigerians, offering a transparent and open political home where every voice matters.”
Former Delta governorship candidate Olorogun Great Ogboru, delivering the vote of thanks, described the inauguration as a turning point for Delta politics, which he said has long suffered from the absence of credible opposition.
“Today we have done two historic things,” he said. “We have commissioned a new state office and unveiled a strategic leadership team that will restore true democracy to Delta State.”
He praised coalition members for their resolve and dismissed attempts to trivialize the ADC’s rise.
“For 25 years, some believed Delta State would remain a one-party playground,” Ogboru said. “They moved leaders from PDP to APC and thought democracy was finished. But man proposes—God disposes. They never imagined that a so-called ‘small’ party like ADC would stand up and say ‘No’ to political dictatorship.”
He issued a clear personal statement on integrity: “Nobody can bribe me. I will never buy or sell a single vote. I am too principled and too committed to the wellbeing of Delta people to partake in political corruption. Tell those spreading lies to be careful—we will address them soon.”
Ogboru affirmed that the ADC’s mission is to restore genuine choice to the people:
“For democracy to thrive, there must be a credible alternative. Our task is to give the people of Delta State that alternative—to say: ‘This we accept; this we reject.’ Whatever comes next must be the decision of Delta people, not the imposition of political cartels.”
The newly inaugurated leadership team includes Olorogun Great Ovedje Ogboru, Dcn. Kennedy Pela, Hon. Uloho Obaro, Engr. Austin Okolie, Hon. George Timinimi, and Hon. Emeka Ozegbe.
