2027: ADC Inaugurates Ogboru, Others as Delta Leadership Team, Says Party Only Standing Opposition

By Philip Onome

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday formally inaugurated its Delta State Leadership Management Team, marking a major step in consolidating the party’s presence in the Niger Delta and positioning it as a credible opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The event, held at the party’s new state headquarters, Asaba, was attended by top national leaders, including former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and National Vice Chairman (North-East), Babachir David Lawal, who represented the National Chairman, Sen. 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, Chief Great Ogboru among others.

Speaking on behalf of the National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, Mr. Babachir Lawal outlined the party’s expectations for the newly inaugurated Transition Management Committee, emphasizing adherence to the ADC Constitution and operational guidelines, and
warned against corruption, ticket-trading, or manipulation of primaries, other practices common in other parties.

He said, “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. All leadership positions must respect internal party procedures and that members of the committee should actively integrate women, youth, and coalition members from other political parties.

“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. I commend Delta leaders for their commitment to the ADC and urged members to support the national leadership in strengthening party structures across the state.

In his remarks, the National Vice Chairman (South-South), Usani Uguru Usani, urged ADC members in the Niger Delta to stand firm and not allow past political experiences to instill fear, saying that, “Any man who carries fear does not belong to the ADC.”

Usani emphasized that the party’s internal processes are transparent and accountable, and dismissed speculation about divisions within the ADC as “a storm in a teacup.” “From the beginning, our leaders encouraged everyone to build structures. Anyone now promoting division will fail,” he said.

Also speaking, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi highlighted the role of the ADC as the remaining credible opposition party in Nigeria.
“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,” he said.

He said the party’s mission is not only political but also a national rescue effort, aimed at giving ordinary Nigerians a platform to participate meaningfully in governance. “ADC is the hope of ordinary Nigerians. Our processes are open, transparent, and designed to include every stakeholder,” Abdullahi added.

In his address and votes of thanks, former Delta governorship candidate, Olorogun Great Ogboru described the inauguration as a historic milestone for Delta State politics, which he said had lacked effective opposition for decades. He praised the coalition members for the ADC as a strategic move to strengthen democracy in the state.

He said, “Today, we have done two very important things. First, we have commissioned this office for the ADC in Delta State. Second, we have unveiled the strategic members of the leadership team of this party in the state.These are remarkable achievements, and to God be all the glory.

“There are some persons who should have been here today but are not. However, we know that very soon they will join us. There has been talk going around. The people who are here today—our Excellencies and leaders—are those who have stood as the true opposition in Delta State for the past 25 years.

“Some believed there would no longer be an opposition in Delta State because they thought that by moving PDP leaders to the APC, the matter was settled. But unfortunately for them, man proposes, God disposes.

“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.

“Let me also clarify something: I do not take money for wrong purposes. Nobody can bribe me. I am far too principled, far too godly, and far too committed to the wellbeing of the people of Delta State to buy or sell even one vote. In my entire life, I have never bought a vote and I have never sold a vote. Please tell those who speak rubbish to be careful. We will address certain issues in due course.

“Nigerians and the ADC believe that we must have a democracy. And for democracy to exist, there must be a credible alternative. And for that alternative to be meaningful, the people must decide. So we are here to create that alternative—an opportunity for the people of Delta State to choose. To say: “I will take this; I will not take that.”

“Whatever happens going forward—whether in our favour or against us—the most important thing is that the decision must come from the people of Delta State. Never again should this state be known as a place without opposition or a place where they said only one political party existed. Thank goodness we are all gathered here today to ensure that Nigerians and the people of Delta State truly have an alternative.”

Those inaugurated included, Olorogun Great Ovedje Ogboru, Dcn Kennedy Pela, Hon. Uloho Obaro, Engr. Austin Okolie, Hon. George Timinimi and Hon. Emeka Ozegbe.