The African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside eight other political parties, convened a significant summit in Kaduna on Thursday, May 16th. The primary objective of the gathering was to strategize for the 2027 elections and to reinforce their party structures in a bid to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Hon. Kenneth Gbandi, in his address, reiterated the ADC’s stance on forging alliances with like-minded entities across Nigeria. He emphasized the necessity of broadening political cooperation to build a formidable opposition capable of driving meaningful change in the Nigerian political landscape.
One of the critical points raised by Hon. Gbandi was his support for the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Chairman’s call to dismantle the state electoral commissions. He argued that this move would significantly enhance the autonomy and independence of Local Government Areas (LGAs), fostering a more democratic and transparent electoral process at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, Hon. Gbandi called on the IPAC Chairman to endorse the establishment of a Diaspora 7th geopolitical zone within all political parties. This initiative aims to facilitate direct participation of the Nigerian Diaspora in the country’s political processes. He highlighted the unique position of the ADC, under the visionary leadership of Chief Ralph Nwosu (National Chairman), Dr. Mani Inrahim Ahmad (BOT Chairman), and Alhaji Said Baba Abdulahi (National Secretary) and NWC members as the only political party in Nigeria with a dedicated Diaspora arm, allowing for direct political involvement from Nigerians abroad.
The summit began with Hon. Gbandi offering Christian prayers after the Muslim prayer, setting a tone of unity and purpose for the deliberations that followed. The event was well-attended by representatives from credible opposition parties, including the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), KOWA Party, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), among others.
This gathering marks a significant step towards fostering greater collaboration among opposition parties in Nigeria. By building stronger party structures and pushing for reforms that promote transparency and inclusivity, the participating parties aim to present a united front in the upcoming elections.
The proposals discussed at the summit, particularly the call for the scrapping of state electoral commissions and the establishment of a Diaspora geopolitical zone, reflect a forward-thinking approach to Nigerian politics. These initiatives, if implemented, could potentially reshape the political landscape by ensuring fairer elections and amplifying the voices of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
In conclusion, the Kaduna summit demonstrated a shared commitment among opposition parties to challenge the status quo and work towards a more democratic and representative political system in Nigeria. Hon. Kenneth Gbandi’s calls for broader political alliances and structural reforms are a testament to the ADC’s dedication to fostering inclusive and participatory governance. As the 2027 elections approach, the strategies and collaborations formed during this summit will likely play a crucial role in the evolving dynamics of Nigerian politics.
