Usani Uguru Usani, National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has dismissed claims of his suspension by the Cross River State executive of the party, describing the action as “an abuse of the party constitution” and a scheme by “traitors” seeking to destabilise ADC.
In an exclusive interview with Independent Newspaper, Usani challenged the legitimacy of the suspension, saying, “There is no suspension anywhere. Everything done is in absolute abuse of the provisions of the constitution of the party. No arm of the party can take disciplinary action against a member of the National Working Committee at the state level. Those who claimed to have suspended me are traitors to the party.”
Usani explained that political conspiracies, rather than any misconduct on his part, motivated the claims. “The people you are talking about have embarrassed the party because the publicity given to this non-existent so-called disciplinary action is global, giving the impression that the ADC is not a stable institution. My politics is determined by service, not personal gain.”
On maintaining his legitimacy within the party, Usani said, “Lawyers will tell you that something cannot stand on nothing. So, if there’s no suspension, how is my legitimacy questioned? It is common sense.”
Usani also reflected on Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections, highlighting what he described as systemic governance failures. “Politics is something fundamental that should be played by people who are honest, sincere and sacrificial. A statement of policy for one minute can affect generations for 50 years. Nigeria is witnessing failures in taxation, insecurity, unemployment, inflation, and border control. We are ready, but are Nigerians ready? It depends on their choices.”
Responding to concerns about ADC leaders holding memberships in other parties, Usani defended the coalition’s structure, saying, “A coalition is different from a merger. ADC is focused and is introducing clarity in political alignment ahead of elections. Our aim is to conform to electoral regulations while maintaining strategic focus.”
Usani expressed cautious optimism about reforms at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “They have a new chairman; let us see how it will function. If INEC does not reform, it will be the first victim of its malpractice. Nigerians will hold them accountable.”
The ADC vice chairman criticised the Federal Government’s handling of food inflation, the Naira, and fuel subsidies. “Food inflation at 16 per cent may seem favourable now, but what was it before? Encouraging mass importation instead of local production undermines the economy,” he argued. On fuel subsidy removal and Naira flotation, he said, “These abstract policies cannot yield positive results without stable monitoring and preparation for market forces.”
Usani concluded on economic policy, emphasising proactive governance.
“Sector by sector, from education to health, governments must anticipate upheavals and respond efficiently. That is how national development can be sustained.”
