The African Democratic Congress, ADC, is shifting focus to grassroots mobilisation and youth engagement as part of its broader strategy ahead of future elections, with party leaders signalling a renewed push to expand political participation across the country.
Speaking on Saturday in Benin City, Edo State, the party’s National Leader and former governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said the ADC is positioning itself as a platform for Nigerians seeking political change, particularly among younger demographics who played visible roles in recent electoral cycles.
He made the remarks while receiving the newly elected Edo State executive of the party, led by chairman Hon. Tony Alile, at his residence in the Government Reservation Area, noting that the current political climate presents an opportunity for increased citizen involvement.
Odigie-Oyegun referenced growing dissatisfaction among segments of the population, especially youths, and encouraged the new leadership to harness that energy constructively, warning that internal divisions could weaken the party’s ability to connect with voters.
He also reflected on past political transitions, including the coalition-building efforts that led to a change in government in 2015, urging party members to remain disciplined and focused as they attempt to build a viable alternative political force.
Earlier, the chairman of the Edo State ADC Congress Committee, Senator Andrew Uchendu, confirmed the emergence of the new state executives, explaining that the process followed consensus arrangements in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
According to him, the adoption of consensus from ward to state levels was aimed at reducing conflict and ensuring a unified structure capable of driving the party’s objectives at both state and national levels.
In his acceptance remarks, Alile pledged to immediately begin mobilisation efforts, outlining plans to engage citizens and roll out policy directions in phases, as the party seeks to strengthen its presence and prepare for upcoming political contests.
