Aborisade, Sarumi Warn Against Imposition In ADC As Makinde Defection Rumour Gathers Momentum
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN – LEADERS of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State have cautioned against imposition, domination and undemocratic practices within the party, amid growing rumours that Governor Seyi Makinde may defect to the party.
A chieftain of the party, Mrs Bolanle Sarumi (Basa), reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to internal democracy, inclusiveness and the rule of law, stressing that while the party is open to all Nigerians, its ideology and values must be respected by all entrants.
Speaking against the backdrop of ongoing political realignments in the state, Sarumi said the ADC welcomes new members and leaders who are ready to operate within its established principles of fairness, equity and collective decision-making.
“We are a party that respects the rule of law and welcomes everybody,” she said. “However, the ADC is built on a strong ideological foundation. It is not a platform for domination, imposition or political high-handedness.”
Her comments followed widespread speculation that Governor Makinde may be considering a move to the ADC. Although she noted that the reports remain unconfirmed, Sarumi said the party would receive the governor warmly should the defection materialise, provided he aligns with its guiding philosophy.
“If it is true that Governor Makinde intends to join our great party, he is welcome,” she stated. “But he must understand that the ADC operates on a clear ideology of fairness and equity. There is no room for domination or imposition in our party.”
Also speaking, the Oyo State Chairman of the ADC, Mr Yinka Olona, emphasised that the party’s internal democratic structures must be respected at all times, regardless of the political stature of any individual.
Olona said the ADC has distinguished itself as a platform that promotes participatory politics and internal democracy, adding that these ideals must not be compromised in the pursuit of growth or political advantage.
“Our doors are open, but our principles are not negotiable,” he said. “The ADC is not a party where one individual dictates for others. Every member has a voice, and decisions are taken collectively.”
Similarly, another party leader, Aborisade, issued a strong warning against any form of imposition or dictatorship within the party, cautioning that the ADC must not replicate the political culture it has consistently criticised in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“The ADC must not become like the APC and PDP that we criticise daily,” Aborisade said. “We must practise what we preach. There must be no imposition, no godfatherism and no dictatorship in our party.”
He added that while the entry of influential politicians could strengthen the party, such developments must not undermine the sacrifices, structures and contributions of existing members who have worked to build the ADC from the ground up.
“The impact of those joining must not be allowed to erode the efforts of those who have laboured tirelessly for the party,” he said, stressing that growth must be guided by fairness, respect and equity.
The ADC leaders maintained that the party remains focused on building a credible political alternative anchored on ideology, transparency and democratic values as Nigeria prepares for future electoral contests.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Michael Ogunsina, has dismissed the rumour of Governor Makinde’s defection as false.
“There is nothing like that,” Ogunsina said. “It is a lie.”