The Benue State African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a significant step in its growth by establishing a State Elders Council. This advisory body will provide guidance to the party leadership as it navigates the complex landscape of Nigerian politics. The council's inauguration was a key highlight of a recent stakeholders' meeting, where party members were briefed on ongoing congress programmes and national secretariat activities.
Party leader Sen. Emmanuel Yisa Orker-Jev praised the state leadership team for its efforts in positioning the party for success. He emphasized the importance of remaining committed to the party's goals and encouraged the team to continue working towards its objectives. ADC has emerged as the leading minority party in Nigeria, and Sen. Orker-Jev described it as a strong contender in the forthcoming elections.
The party leader also took a swipe at the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue, dismissing the notion of a unified party and describing the factions as a farce. He questioned the rationale behind individuals defecting from one APC faction to another and being celebrated as though they had joined from a different political party. Sen. Orker-Jev also claimed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state operates as a directorate of one of the APC factions, adding that ADC remains the only "virus-free" political party in Benue.
The meeting also saw updates on the congress programme, with positions to be contested at various levels, including polling units, wards, local governments, and the state. Nomination forms are available for all positions, and interested individuals can obtain them from the state party secretariat.
The inauguration of the Benue State Elders Council is a significant development in the African Democratic Congress's growth and ambition to become a major player in Nigerian politics. The party's leader, Sen. Emmanuel Yisa Orker-Jev, has shown a willingness to speak truth to power, criticizing the All Progressives Congress's (APC) factionalism and the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) ties to the APC. This bold stance is a testament to ADC's commitment to people-oriented policies and its determination to operate outside the influence of the country's dominant parties. The party's emergence as a strong contender in the forthcoming elections is a significant development that will be closely watched by Nigerians. As ADC continues to grow and expand its reach, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define Nigerian politics.
