Solomon Dalung, former Sports Minister and member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has reassured Nigerians that the party remains calm amid internal challenges and will fully comply with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requirements.
Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Monday, Dalung emphasised that the party is fully prepared for future elections, including 2027.
“The ADC is prepared for 2027. These hiccups within the process, just like I said, are normal. Even the internal wranglings are also normal. Going by the fact that it is an opposition party that is coming up to play the role of an ideal opposition in our democracy, when other opposition parties appear to have fizzled out. So these challenges are expected and I do not think that there is anybody in the coalition that is strange to these developments,” he said.
“The requirements of INEC are requirements of law and the ADC has no option than to comply,” he added.
Dalung opined, “The coalition movement must ensure that to embark on this journey, everything proper within the context of the law must be complied with. So there is no panic whatsoever. It’s a process.”
He explained that the party is undergoing a transition, integrating coalition elements into its structure. “The ADC is undergoing a transition where it has birthed the coalition elements, incorporated them into the party and the process of the transition is ongoing. So it is incorrect to assert that it is an association,” he said.
Addressing concerns over internal disagreements and claims from former ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, Dalung said, “The former presidential candidate is a member of the party and being a presidential candidate in the last election does not place him within the organs of the party. The party is guided by a constitution and going through the articles of the constitution, I do not see where the right which he is laying claim to is appropriated to him. But he is a respected member of the party and is free to hold opinions as allowed under democracy.”
On the issue of INEC’s sample signatures and registration concerns, Dalung confirmed progress. “So what the national publicity secretary said, let me confirm that that issue has been settled and within the few days ahead, Nigerians will have a better position of things. And as to whether we are prepared for 2027, of course we are. If we are not prepared for 2027, certainly maybe we would have the opportunity to review the party and ensure our capacity to challenge the full public.”
Concluding, Dalung assured Nigerians that the ADC would provide a credible alternative to the ruling party. “From the activities across the country, it is no doubt that Nigerians should be sure that we will provide a proper alternative to the party in government.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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