The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has inaugurated a new Leadership Management Team for Delta State, a move the party says will strengthen its organisational capacity in the Niger Delta and firmly position it as a formidable opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Wednesday at the party’s newly opened state secretariat in Asaba, was attended by several high-profile 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, Senator David Mark; National Vice Chairman (South-South) and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani; National Publicity Secretary and former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi; and former governorship candidate, Olorogun Great Ogboru.
Speaking on behalf of the National Chairman, Babachir Lawal outlined clear expectations for the newly inaugurated Transition Management Committee.
He emphasised strict compliance with the ADC constitution and cautioned against bribery, ticket-buying, and primary election manipulation—practices he said would find no place in the party.
“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,” he said.
He urged the new leadership to deliver an inclusive administration by integrating women, young people, and coalition partners from diverse political backgrounds.
“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,” Lawal added.
He commended Delta leaders for their commitment and encouraged members to support ongoing efforts to build a strong, credible, and united ADC across the state.
‘Fear Has No Place in ADC’ — Usani
National Vice Chairman (South-South), Usani Uguru Usani, charged party members to embrace courage and refuse to be held back by past political experiences.
“Any man who carries fear does not belong to the ADC,” he declared.
He reaffirmed that the party’s internal processes remain transparent and dismissed rumours of internal discord as “a storm in a teacup.”
‘ADC Is the Last Standing Opposition’ — Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the ADC as the only credible opposition platform still standing in Nigeria, alleging that political forces intend to weaken all alternatives before the 2027 elections.
“By 2027, they want only 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.
Abdullahi stated that the ADC’s mission transcends politics, describing it as a national rescue effort designed to give ordinary Nigerians a meaningful voice in governance.
Ogboru: ‘Delta Finally Has a Real Opposition Again’
In his remarks and vote of thanks, Olorogun Great Ogboru said the inauguration represented a historic moment for Delta politics, which, according to him, has lacked genuine opposition for decades.
He described the new secretariat and leadership team as “remarkable achievements.”
Ogboru criticised attempts by dominant political parties to monopolise the Delta political space, insisting that analysts who predicted the collapse of opposition in the state failed to anticipate the renewed rise of the ADC.
“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,” he said.
He also dismissed allegations of vote-buying, warning critics to be cautious with unfounded claims.
“For democracy to exist, there must be a credible alternative. The people must be able to choose. Never again should Delta State be known as a place where only one political party exists,” he added, urging residents to embrace the ADC as a viable platform for political choice.
New Delta Leadership Team
The newly inaugurated state leadership comprises: Olorogun Great Ovedje Ogboru, Dcn Kennedy Pela, Hon. Uloho Obaro, Engr. Austin Okolie, Hon. George Timinimi and Hon. Emeka Ozegbe
The event concluded with a renewed pledge to build a stronger, more cohesive, and people-centred ADC in Delta State.
