The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has pledged to reserve at least half of its leadership and elective positions for young people and women as part of its strategy to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.

National Secretary of the party, Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on Saturday in Lagos during a ceremony where former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and other political groups officially joined the ADC.

Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State and ex-Minister of Interior, described the ADC as a “youth-driven platform” that intends to break away from the dominance of traditional parties. He explained that the party constitution already guarantees a minimum of 35 percent representation for women and another 35 percent for youths, ensuring their combined stake in governance remains no less than 50 percent.

“This is not a symbolic gesture,” he stressed, “but a deliberate commitment to giving real power and opportunities to groups that have long been sidelined.”

The ADC chieftain further argued that leadership in Nigeria should be people-centered rather than controlled by a few powerful individuals. He criticized both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP for what he called their drift into self-serving politics, urging ADC members to instead focus on building grassroots structures and policies that prioritize citizens’ welfare.

Among those who defected to the ADC were former Lagos PDP chairmen Muritala Ashorobi and Tunji Shelle, Lagos PDP vice chairman (Central), Tai Benedict, and several other notable figures including Niyi Adams and a former PDP youth leader.

Former PDP Board of Trustees member, Abimbola Ogunkelu, who led one group of defectors, said their decision to join the ADC reflected a collective resolve to provide Nigerians with credible leadership and a stronger grassroots political base. Another group, led by Segun Osho from the Labour Party, said they were motivated by the urgent need to “rescue Nigeria from its present state.”

ADC leaders at the event, including Lagos chairman George Ashiru and party stalwart Kolawole Ogunwale, emphasized the importance of unity and action in transforming the party into a credible alternative for Nigerians ahead of future elections.