By Austin Ogwuda
.…as Delta ADC gets new leadership team, new State secretariat
A well-known Political warlord, Olorogun Great Ovedje Ogboru has hailed the inauguration of a new leadership team for Delta chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and unveiling of its new State secretariat in Asaba, saying that the inauguration marks a historic turning point for Delta politics.
In attendance at the ceremony on Wednesday 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.
Ogboru noted that for decades Delta State lacked genuine opposition as he criticised attempts by larger political parties to dominate politics in Delta State expecting the end of opposition in the State.
His words, “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.
“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.
“I therefore encourage all Delta residents to embrace the ADC as a new platform for political choice”.
Speaking on behalf of Senator David Mark, Babachir Lawal outlined the expectations for the newly inaugurated Transition Management Committee and charged them to adhere strictly to the ADC constitution.
Said he, “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.
“I urge the new team to run an inclusive administration by integrating women, young people, and coalition members from different 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”.
He praised Delta State party leaders for their dedication and called on members to support efforts to build a strong and united ADC across the State.
Also speaking, the National Vice Chairman (South-South), Usani Uguru Usani encouraged party members to be courageous and not let past political disappointments intimidate them.
“Any man who carries fear does not belong to the ADC”.
He assured members that the party’s internal systems are transparent and dismissed rumours of division within the ADC, describing such claims as “a storm in a teacup”.
On his part, the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC remains the only credible opposition platform left in Nigeria, claiming that political forces aim to weaken all alternatives to the ruling party by 2027.
“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”.
Abdullahi stressed that the party’s mission goes beyond politics, describing it as a national rescue effort to give ordinary Nigerians a voice in governance.
The new state leadership inaugurated includes: Olorogun Great Ovedje Ogboru, Dcn Kennedy Pela, Hon. Uloho Obaro, Engr. Austin Okolie, Hon. George Timinimi and Hon. Emeka Ozegbe.
