50% of leadership slots will go to youth, women – ADC promises

• He explained that the party’s constitution makes provisions for 35 per cent representation for women and another 35 per cent for youths

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has said it will reserve at least 50 per cent of elective and appointive offices for men and women, underscoring the party’s commitment to addressing the demographic shortage in government.

The party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, made this known in Lagos on Saturday during a ceremony to welcome defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Labour Party, and other political groups into the ADC fold.

Speaking under the theme: “When Good People Unite, Nigerians Win,” Aregbesola, a former Osun State governor and ex-Minister of Interior, described ADC as a youth-driven party committed to offering Nigerians a credible alternative.

He explained that the party’s constitution makes provisions for 35 per cent representation for women and another 35 per cent for youths, ensuring that their combined presence in leadership structures will never fall below 50 per cent.

“This is not tokenism but a recognition that Nigeria’s future lies in giving voice, space, and power to those who have long been underrepresented,” he said.

The party chieftain emphasised that the ADC is not in the grip of an individual but controlled by a collective of patriotic citizens determined to rebuild Nigeria. He bemoaned the hardship and uncertainty confronting the nation, warning that any government that fails to prioritise citizens’ welfare risks losing legitimacy.

“Our mission is to build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit. Leadership must meet the basic needs of the people or it will collapse with time,” Aregbesola said.

He urged members to strengthen the ADC’s grassroots base rather than waste energy attacking political rivals. According to him, both the APC and the PDP have lost direction and reduced themselves to power-seeking platforms.

“We must not repeat the mistakes of APC and PDP. Let us build a people-oriented party from scratch,” he declared.