Stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress in Oyo State have opened their doorways to Governor Seyi Makinde amid rising defection rumours, at the same time as they cautioned in opposition to imposition, domination and undemocratic practices inside the social gathering.
A chieftain of the social gathering, Bolanle Sarumi, mentioned the ADC was prepared to obtain the governor and different distinguished political actors, supplied they embrace the social gathering’s ideology of equity, inclusiveness and respect for inner democracy.
Sarumi reaffirmed the ADC’s dedication to the rule of legislation, stressing that the social gathering welcomes all Nigerians however wouldn’t compromise its values to accommodate political heavyweights.
“We’re a celebration that respects the rule of legislation and welcomes all people,” she mentioned. “Nonetheless, the ADC is constructed on a powerful ideological basis. It isn’t a platform for domination, imposition or political high-handedness.”
Addressing hypothesis that Governor Makinde could also be contemplating a transfer to the ADC, Sarumi mentioned though the studies had been but to be confirmed, the social gathering would obtain him warmly if he decides to hitch.
“Whether it is true that Governor Makinde intends to hitch our nice social gathering, he’s welcome,” she acknowledged. “However he should perceive that the ADC operates on a transparent ideology of equity and fairness. There isn’t any room for domination or imposition in our social gathering.”
In the identical vein, the Oyo State Chairman of the ADC, Yinka Olona, mentioned the social gathering was open to progress and new alliances however insisted that its democratic tradition should be revered by all members, no matter political standing.
Olona mentioned the ADC had distinguished itself as a platform that promotes participatory politics and collective decision-making.
“Our doorways are open, however our rules should not negotiable,” he mentioned. “The ADC will not be a celebration the place one particular person dictates for others. Each member has a voice, and selections are taken collectively.”
Additionally talking, one other social gathering chief, Niyi Aborisade, warned that the ADC should not sacrifice its beliefs within the quest to draw influential politicians.
“The ADC should not grow to be just like the APC and PDP that we criticise each day,” Aborisade mentioned. “We should practise what we preach. There should be no imposition, no godfatherism and no dictatorship in our social gathering.”
He added that whereas the entry of high-profile politicians may strengthen the social gathering, it should not come on the expense of loyal members who had constructed the ADC from the grassroots.
“The influence of these becoming a member of should not be allowed to erode the efforts of those that have labored tirelessly for the social gathering,” he mentioned, stressing that progress should be guided by equity, respect and fairness.
The ADC leaders maintained that the social gathering stays targeted on constructing a reputable political different anchored on ideology, transparency and democratic values forward of future elections.
Nonetheless, reacting to the hypothesis, the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Get together, Michael Ogunsina, dismissed studies of Governor Makinde’s defection.
“It’s a lie. There may be nothing like that,” he mentioned.