By Olayinka Ajayi

A senior grassroots leader of the African Democratic Congress ,ADC, Mr. Tosin Fasadeju, has reacted to what he describes as the “hijack” of the party’s leadership by former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

In an open letter addressed to the ADC National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Fasadeju insisted that it is an unconstitutional handover of the party to “elite figures who neither represent the vision nor the struggle that birthed the ADC.”

According to him, “This is not leadership transition — it is a political hijack.” The Ondo-born political activist and former House of Assembly candidate said, “The ADC is not a political war chest to be traded between elite hands ahead of 2027.”

While the party is yet to issue an official statement on the takeover, Fasadeju claimed he funded and housed the ADC secretariat in his locality since 2015. “I financed ward and local government activities across Ondo State for nearly a decade.” He added that party loyalists and original stakeholders were not consulted before the decision was made.

“Was there a national convention? Did the NEC approve this transition? Were ward, state, and zonal leaders consulted?”

He warned that the move could derail the party’s founding mission of promoting a progressive and inclusive alternative to Nigeria’s political establishment.

Fasadeju called for an urgent broadcast by the ADC chairman clarifying the legality of the reported leadership changes, immediate suspension of all coalition negotiations, and a national stakeholders’ summit involving grassroots leaders to debate the future direction of the party.

“The ADC cannot be rebuilt if its foundation is destroyed for short-term advantage; the old political order is now being imposed on us.”

Though neither David Mark nor Rauf Aregbesola has publicly confirmed their role in the alleged handover, multiple sources within the party hint at ongoing coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general elections, with prominent political figures reportedly seeking platforms to consolidate influence.

The controversy raises concerns over internal democracy within smaller parties, particularly as the 2027 election cycle approaches.

Efforts to reach the ADC National Chairman for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.