ADC House of Assembly candidate in Abia State, Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya, has expressed confidence in the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s chances in the 2027 general elections, saying the party’s extensive grassroots structure and growing coalition position it as a credible alternative to Nigeria’s established political parties.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Ogbonnaya said the ADC has attracted members from across the political spectrum who are committed to offering Nigerians a new direction.
She also clarified that the party’s national leadership is headed by Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
“ADC as a party can boast and brag about its grassroots presence.”
According to her, the party has continued to expand through the support of members drawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and other political parties.
“ADC is a coalition of people from all the parties who came together and felt the need to rescue Nigeria. We have members from APC, Labour Party, APGA and other political parties who have joined us.”
Highlighting the party’s organisational strength, Ogbonnaya said the ADC has established leadership structures down to the polling-unit level through what it describes as 30-man polling-unit leaders.
“We have structures down to the polling unit. We have what we call 30-man polling-unit leaders, and that has strengthened our grassroots mobilisation.”
She disclosed that the party would begin a tour of all 17 local government areas in Abia State from July 25 to engage residents directly, introduce its candidates and explain the party’s vision.
“The essence is to reach the people one-on-one so they understand what the party stands for and get to know our candidates.”
Ogbonnaya added that the ADC has fielded candidates for every State House of Assembly constituency, House of Representatives constituency and other elective offices across Abia State.
“We have candidates from every constituency down to the presidency. That is proof that we are ready for business.”
Responding to concerns about campaign financing, she argued that genuine public support outweighs financial resources.
“When people love an idea, they don’t look at money.”
She said despite internal disputes, the party has continued to grow because Nigerians genuinely believe in its vision.
“The more the crisis, the stronger and bigger the party grows. That shows people are following the party genuinely out of personal conviction.”
On women’s participation in politics, Ogbonnaya said the ADC has demonstrated its commitment to gender inclusion by reducing nomination fees for women and persons with disabilities to 25 per cent while ensuring the implementation of its 35 per cent gender affirmative policy.
She stated that the party has also presented female candidates for several elective positions, including House of Representatives and State House of Assembly seats.
Speaking on her legislative priorities, the former Special Adviser on Gender Matters said she would champion laws to strengthen entrepreneurship and economic opportunities for women and young people if elected.
She proposed expanding support for female entrepreneurs and rural women through access to funding, farm inputs and other empowerment initiatives backed by legislation.
“I want to put in place a revised Better Life for Rural Women initiative that will give women access to seedlings, funding and other support through legislative backing.”
Ogbonnaya also promised to maintain an open-door policy and remain accessible to constituents beyond the election period.
On the party’s internal cohesion, she described the ADC as united ahead of the elections, attributing the stability to the leadership of Senator David Mark and the resolution of internal disputes.
“We have been able to put our house in order, and we are going into the election very united.”
Addressing concerns about the implementation of legislation, she said lawmakers must go beyond passing bills by ensuring effective oversight of government programmes.
“I wouldn’t just pass these bills. I would make sure they are implemented and positively affect the lives of my people through effective oversight.”
Ojo Triumph
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