By Muhammad Mamman
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is gathering momentum in Kwara State as several influential politicians defect to the coalition platform.
Former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and ex-lawmaker Abubakar Amuda Kannike have both joined the ADC, with party leader Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulrasaq describing it as a “credible alternative” to the ruling APC and opposition PDP.
Ahmed, who governed Kwara from 2011 to 2019, is said to be playing an active role in shaping the party’s direction, while Kannike, a former House of Representatives member, is also taking on a leadership role.
Other prominent figures backing the ADC include former Minister Bolaji Abdullahi, Zakari Mohammed, Danladi from Offa, and Oba Aluko. Abdulrasaq confirmed that his own defection from the NNPP brought all 193 ward chairmen and 16 local government structures into the ADC fold.
“We have vowed before God not to treat the people the way other politicians have treated them. We will not manipulate or exploit them,” he said.
The ADC was officially adopted as the opposition coalition platform on 2 July at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, with former Senate President David Mark named chairman and ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary. The coalition enjoys the backing of key opposition leaders including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi.
