A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Muhammad Jibrin Barde, says the party has begun nationwide membership revalidation and congresses as part of efforts to build what he described as a credible alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of failing Nigerians on security, the economy, and governance.
Mr Barde, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Gombe, noting that the exercise followed over a year of political consultations under a reform-driven movement known as Sabon Tafiya (New Direction).
He said the mobilisation drive, which includes fresh membership registration and congresses at all levels, was aimed at harnessing public frustration with what he described as the APC’s inability to address worsening insecurity, rising poverty and the collapse of public services across the country.
“After nearly a decade of APC rule, Nigerians are worse off. Insecurity has expanded, the cost of living has skyrocketed, and public infrastructure continues to decay,” Mr Barde said.
According to him, the ADC’s internal activities are guided by official circulars issued to party structures nationwide, with congresses expected to commence at unit level and progress through wards, local governments and states before the end of January. He added that the party’s non-elective national convention is scheduled for February.
Mr Barde urged existing ADC members to revalidate their membership while encouraging new entrants to join the party, describing the process as a foundation for rebuilding political trust.
He dismissed reports of internal divisions within the party in Gombe State, insisting that ADC remains united and focused on consolidating its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Responding to questions on what distinguishes the ADC from the ruling APC and other opposition parties, Mr Barde said Nigerians were no longer interested in recycled promises but in leadership that delivers tangible results.
“In Gombe and across Nigeria, people are struggling. Farmers are unsafe, traders are burdened by rising costs, and hospitals are paralysed by strikes and power failures. These are consequences of poor leadership and misplaced priorities,” he said.
He cited recurring power outages and industrial action at the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, as indicators of what he described as systemic governance failures under the current administration.
Mr Barde said the ADC intends to prioritise security, agriculture, healthcare, education and economic inclusion, stressing that governance must be people-centred rather than elite-driven.
“Our objective is to build a government that manages public resources responsibly, restores security, supports productive sectors and guarantees equal opportunities for all Nigerians,” he said.
