The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has unveiled an ambitious membership drive aimed at enrolling no fewer than 14 million registered members nationwide as part of efforts to reposition the party as a formidable political force.
Aregbesola made the disclosure on Tuesday at a South-West stakeholders’ meeting held at Kakanfo Inn, Ring Road, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The former Osun State governor said the party had commenced a deliberate and structured mobilisation campaign to attract Nigerians dissatisfied with the prevailing political climate.
“Our goal is to bring in Nigerians who are ready to work for genuine progress. This time, we want to separate the wheat from the chaff by ensuring that only committed and credible people join the party,” he said.
He described the 14 million membership target as ambitious but achievable through coordinated grassroots engagement and sustained investment in party structures.
“It will be good for us to grow our membership strength to at least 14 million. That is the level of political participation and structure we are building, and we are ready to invest the necessary resources into the party to achieve this,” Aregbesola added.
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He stressed that the ADC was not established to confront individuals or rival political parties, but to build a service-oriented movement anchored on progressive ideals.
“We are not fighting anyone. Our mission is to call people into service, from the zonal level to the states, local governments and wards, to build a credible political alternative for Nigerians,” he said.
As part of efforts to consolidate party structures in the South-West, Aregbesola directed newly inaugurated leaders to establish functional state structures across the zone within two weeks.
“I am directing the new leadership to form and establish state structures across the South-West within the next two weeks. The national, zonal and state leadership frameworks must be fully operational,” he said.
The ADC National Secretary also announced plans to inaugurate a regional political platform known as the Grand Assembly of Genuine Progressives to deepen engagement among progressive leaders.
“The proposed Grand Assembly of Genuine Progressives will draw 100 leaders each from the six South-West states and will be inaugurated in Ibadan.
“This assembly will be inclusive. It will accommodate youths, women and representatives from all local governments. It is part of our broader plan to deepen progressive politics in the South-West,” he added.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated National Vice Chairman (South-West), Akinbowale Omole, assured stakeholders that the zonal executive would work to reposition the party across Yorubaland.
“Be rest assured that we understand what is wrong in Yorubaland and we are ready to fix it. This new executive is prepared to work tirelessly. Anyone who wants to join ADC must also be ready to work,” Omole said.
He pledged close collaboration with state chapters to strengthen mobilisation and deliver electoral victories for the party.
The meeting also featured the inauguration of national and zonal officers from the South-West.
Those sworn in include Akinbowale Omole (Ogun) as National Vice Chairman (South-West); Captain Tunji Shelle as National Director of Communications and Programmes; Prof. Bode Ayorinde (Ondo) as Diversity and Inclusion Secretary; Fabiyi Oladimeji (Ogun) as Deputy National Financial Secretary; Alhaja Kafilat Omolabake Olayiwola (Oyo) as Deputy National Women Leader; Arc. Bashir Aremu Lawal (Oyo) as Assistant National Secretary; Olufemi Adeleye (Ekiti) as Deputy Coordinator, Diaspora; Lady Lydia Omarisola Olafunmiloye (Ondo) as Assistant National Women Leader (Zonal); Mrs. Elizabeth Adeola Olusi (Lagos) as Assistant National Youth Leader (Zonal); and Mrs. Yidiat Omolara Oseni (Osun) as Assistant National Organising Secretary.
