The governorship ambition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State gained momentum today as the party declared that it is positioning itself to take over power in the next general election, insisting that financial strength alone will not determine the poll’s outcome.
A chieftain of the party and governorship hopeful, Chief Niyi Aborisade, said the ADC is intensifying grassroots mobilisation across the state, expressing confidence that growing public dissatisfaction with the mainstream political parties will translate into electoral gains, reports Saturday Guardian.
According to the human rights lawyer, the party has moved beyond urban centres and is consolidating its presence at the ward and local government levels.
“We are mobilising every day. The influx of new members is encouraging. From this March, you will see more people joining us from different political platforms. This is not just about rhetoric. We are building structures in every nook and cranny of Oyo State”, he said.
Aborisade maintained that while larger parties may boast superior financial muscle, elections are ultimately decided by voters, not by money.
“We cannot deny that money plays a role in politics, but money is not everything. You can deploy enormous resources and still lose if the people are not with you. What matters most is credibility, trust and the connection with the electorate”, he stated.
He argued that widespread economic hardship, unemployment and rising cost of living have left many Nigerians disillusioned with the political establishment, creating space for alternative platforms like the African Democratic Congress.
“Nigerians are tired. They are looking for credible alternatives. That dissatisfaction cannot be solved with money alone,” he added.
On allegations of electoral malpractice in previous elections, Aborisade called for greater transparency in the conduct of future polls. He stressed that the integrity of the electoral process must be protected to restore public confidence.
“We have seen instances where figures on official forms appeared altered. That undermines trust in the system. In the next general election, we will insist on transparency. The will of the people must prevail,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of electronic transmission of results, noting that while the Electoral Act provides useful mechanisms, implementation remains key.
“The problem is not always the law; it is the people implementing it. Electronic transmission must be protected from interference. Where electronic systems fail, manual processes must not become an avenue for manipulation,” he stated.
Aborisade also disclosed that the ADC is strengthening its internal processes and harmonising interests within the broader coalition movement to present a united front ahead of the poll.
“Conflict is not unusual in political coalitions, but we are resolving issues and building unity. By the time the general election arrives, our party will be fully stabilised and stronger,” he said.
Aborisade added that while financial resources remain relevant in politics, the decisive factor in Oyo State would be voter conviction.
“Ultimately, votes decide elections. And we believe the people of Oyo are ready for a credible alternative,” he said.
