A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Austin Okai, has explained why Nigerians should embrace the party, even though the sons of some of its key leaders are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okai’s comments come in reaction to the decision of Abba Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to join the APC.
REACTING TO RECENT DEFECTIONS
Beyond Atiku’s son, Bello El-Rufai — son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, another prominent ADC figure — is also a member of the APC.
Addressing the situation in a Facebook post on Friday, Okai said these developments should not weaken confidence in the ADC, but instead strengthen it.
“ADC IS NOT A FAMILY FRANCHISE”
According to Okai, the ADC has demonstrated a rare commitment to democratic values in Nigeria’s political space.
“ADC is not a family franchise or a closed club. It is a truly democratic platform where conviction, not bloodline, determines your political home,” he said.
He argued that, unlike parties built on loyalty enforcement and political inheritance, the ADC allows individuals — including family members of its leaders — to make independent political choices.
Nigeria’s political landscape has long been shaped by dynasties, godfatherism, and enforced loyalty, where family ties often dictate political direction. In recent months, the ADC has positioned itself as an alternative coalition seeking to challenge the dominance of the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The presence of leaders’ children in rival parties has sparked debate, but ADC figures insist it reflects internal democratic freedom rather than weakness.
Okai concluded that this freedom of choice is exactly why Nigerians should support the party.
“In a country used to forced loyalty and political inheritance, ADC is proving that freedom of choice still matters, and that is exactly why Nigerians should rally behind it.”
