Leaders from different opposition parties are converging at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja for a press briefing organised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Those already present include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP); Nasir el-Rufai, former Kaduna governor; and Dino Melaye, a former senator.

Also in attendance are Solomon Dalung, former minister of youth and sports; media figure Dele Momodu; ex-senator Gabriel Suswam; and Ireti Kingibe, a current LP senator.

Others present include Rotimi Amaechi, ex-governor of Rivers; and Emeka Ihedioha, former deputy speaker of the house of representatives.

The event has drawn participation from members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the LP.

Former Senate President David Mark led other coalition members into the hall as the programme began.

Also in attendance are Rauf Aregbesola, former Osun governor and interim national chairman of the ADC; and Aminu Tambuwal, ex-governor of Sokoto.

Earlier in the day, the ADC coalition unveiling faced a disruption after the original venue cancelled the booking at the last minute.

The event was initially planned for the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja.

Just hours before the scheduled time, organisers were notified that the hotel would not proceed with hosting the event.

A screenshot of the hotel’s notice, shared by Momodu on Instagram, cited an “internal compliance matter” as the reason for the cancellation.

Following the development, the coalition secured the Yar’Adua Centre as an alternative venue.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, stating that he is not part of any coalition and has neither attended nor been invited to any meeting organised by such groups.

During an interactive session with members of the Abia State Global Economic Council in Umuahia, Otti emphasised that he is focused on fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people of Abia and is not seeking to join another party.

Addressing the issue of a reported crisis within the Labour Party, Otti acknowledged that the party had faced challenges, which were resolved through the Supreme Court.

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Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has accepted the role of Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Aregbesola explained that his decision stems from concerns that most political parties in Nigeria operate without clear ideological direction.

In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, he criticized existing political parties, describing them as hollow entities that unite and split based not on values or policies, but on the pursuit of power and personal interests.

He said: “ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS THE INTERIM NATIONAL SECRETARY, ADC – The party platform adopted by the National Opposition Coalition Group – Tuesday, 1st July, 2025

“Dear Party Leaders, Distinguished Members, Friends, and Fellow Citizens,

“It is with deep humility, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering hope for our people, nation, race and party and that I accept the appointment as The National Secretary of our great party.

“I thank the leadership for the trust reposed in me. But more than that, I thank every committed member of this party and those who still believe that politics can be a force for good; people who believe that parties form government and must control it; those who believe in the supremacy of the party in a democracy and all products of democratic contests; those who recognise that parties must stand for and with the people in the promotion of their interests and aspirations; that parties therefore are not merely machines for winning elections but institutions for mobilizing, organizing, energizing, educating, empowering and encouraging the people towards their emancipation and development.

“Let me begin by saying this: a political party is not a platform for opportunism. It is not a mere vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambition. A political party, in its truest form, is a living institution built on values, guided by ideals and accountable to the people it seeks to serve.

“Throughout Africa’s history and particularly in the legacy of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, a 113-year behemoth of party organization that is impeccable in its credibility as a model of supremacy of party over its creation (government and popularly elected officials) have seen what a party grounded in ideology, principle, and people-centered struggle can achieve.

The ANC is not perfect, but it stands for something. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, inclusivity of all interests and true freedom. It has character. It has soul. It is therefore a true platform for the expression of their aspirations.

“Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political parties. Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth. They are empty shells merging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality. There is little regard for the people, and even less for the country.

“That is not the kind of party we must be. That is not the kind of party I will serve. As The National Secretary, I will work to build a party that has a clear ideological compass, a party that is absolutely committed to the people, rooted in democratic values, rule of law, social justice, accountability, transparency and national development. A party that listens and works for to the people, not only during elections, but every single day.

“We must become an institution where:

(1) Internal democracy is not just preached but practiced.

(2) Intra-party competition is transparent, fair, and just.

(3) All party structures from the ward to the national level and function effectively and efficiently.

(4) Young people, women, and the marginalized have a real voice, not symbolic inclusion.

(5) All special and critical interests (security, educators, farmers, workers, women, youth, professionals, people with special needs, etc. must be recognised and allowed to have autonomous structures within the party.

“We will model international best practices in party organization, administration, and ethics. We will study what works, from South Africa to Sweden, from Chile to Kenya and adapt to them into what fits our local reality. Discipline, order, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define us.

“We must be the party that talks about public education and actually builds schools. That speaks of security and supports real policies to keep our communities safe. That believes in jobs and works to create them. That stands for Nigeria not just during elections, but in everyday governance.

“This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done.

“I ask for your support not just in words, but in action. Hold me accountable. Challenge me when I stray. And stand with me as we begin this journey to rebuild our party, restore its soul, and return politics to its rightful place – as a service to the people. Thank you, and may our work ahead be worthy of the hopes our people place in us.”