ADC pledges 50% representation for youths, women as PDP, LP members defect

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has promised to allocate at least 50 percent of elective and appointive positions to youths and women, describing inclusion as central to Nigeria’s future.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, ADC National Secretary, announced this in Lagos on Saturday during the formal defection of members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and other political groups to the ADC.

Delivering a speech titled “When Good People Unite, Nigerians Win,” the former Osun State governor and ex-Minister of Interior said the ADC constitution guarantees 35 percent representation for women and another 35 percent for youths.

“This is not tokenism, but recognition that Nigeria’s future lies in giving voice, space, and power to the underrepresented,” Aregbesola said, stressing that leadership must prioritise citizens’ welfare to remain relevant.

He accused the APC and PDP of losing vision and reducing politics to mere power struggles, urging ADC members to focus on building a people-oriented party from the grassroots.

Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, a PDP Board of Trustees member who led the defectors, described the movement as “a convergence of shared values and ideas for national transformation.”

Similarly, Dr. Segun Osho, who led defectors from the Labour Party, pledged loyalty to ADC, saying their goal was to rescue Lagos and Nigeria from failed leadership.

The event was attended by ADC national leaders, South-West chairmen, and party chieftains including former Lagos PDP chairmen, Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Captain Tunji Shelle, as well as other prominent defectors.

ADC Lagos Chairman, George Ashiru, presented the party’s flag, logo, and statement of purpose to the new members, urging them to unite like “a military force preparing for victory.”