Terver Shirsha Atsar, 2027 Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency hopeful, in this interview with AKOMBO AONDONA, shared the experience of the recently-concluded African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention and what Nigerian should expect when ADC gets into power. Excerpt:
What is the legality of the ADC convention considering the fact that INEC did not monitor the convention on ground of Court of Appeal judgement?
The ADC convention remains lawful and legitimate. INEC’s deliberate refusal to monitor the convention, based on its pro-APC interpretation of the Court of Appeal judgement, does not in itself invalidate the exercise. Our party acted in line with the Electoral Act and within its constitutional and statutory rights by first of all fulfilling the legal requirement of giving 21 days’ notice to INEC.
Proceeding with the convention, especially in the absence of any clear court order expressly restraining the party from holding it is not in violation of any known law. A political party cannot be denied its internal democratic processes by administrative rascality.
How successful is the ADC national convention?
Considering the current difficulties Nigerians are facing in the area of transportation, it was a pleasant surprise for me to see thousands of delegates and other party supporters from across the country converge on the venue of the convention. So, the convention was a huge success both politically and structurally. It demonstrated the resilience, unity, and determination of the ADC as a credible alternative for Nigerians. Despite the bullying and institutional obstacles placed before the party, the convention proved that ADC remains focused, organised, and prepared to provide purposeful leadership for the country.
What Nigerians should expect from ADC after the convention?
Nigerians should expect a stronger, more united, and people-oriented party. We have demonstrated that the ADC is positioned to offer credible leadership, deepen internal democracy, and present a clear national vision that addresses insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and the growing loss of public confidence in governance. We are determined to restore hope and provide a genuine democratic alternative. Nigerians who are trapped in the web of deceit and exploitation weaved by the current administration should look up to the ADC as the credible alternative.
What else do you want Nigerians to know about the ADC struggles?
I want Nigerians to know that this moment goes beyond ADC alone. It is about protecting our future and that of generations yet unborn. Our democracy, though imperfect, must be preserved. The right of opposition parties to organise freely is not negotiable. We must resist every attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. We must not permit them to weaken the democratic space.
As an aspirant under the ADC platform, I firmly believe that the future of Nigeria depends on a level playing field where all parties can compete fairly and the will of the people can truly prevail.
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