The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled plans to register about 2.3 million members in Delta State, signalling an aggressive push to reposition the party as a serious contender ahead of future elections in a state traditionally dominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The mobilisation strategy was announced at the weekend in Asaba by Prof Festus Arunaye, a national member of the ADC Membership Revalidation, Mobilisation and Registration Committee, during the inauguration of the Delta State chapter of the committee.
Prof Arunaye said the large-scale registration drive was aimed at redefining political participation in the state and offering residents what he described as the “real dividends of democracy”. He said the exercise would not only expand the party’s numerical strength but also deepen grassroots engagement across all local government areas.
According to him, the ambitious target reflects the party’s growing confidence in Delta’s competitive political environment, despite the entrenched advantages enjoyed by established parties, including stronger structures, wider grassroots networks and greater access to resources.
“Delta State is politically vibrant, and our goal is to provide an alternative platform that truly represents the aspirations of the people,” he said. “The ADC is positioning itself as a credible option for voters who desire inclusive governance and accountability.”
Prof Arunaye stressed that the party’s appeal lies in its identity as a “party of the masses”, noting that its internal structure does not allow any individual, regardless of wealth or influence, to dominate its affairs. He said this principle distinguishes the ADC from other political parties and has continued to attract ordinary citizens seeking a more participatory political process.
He disclosed that prospective members would be required to pay a token registration fee of ₦500, adding that the registration exercise would be conducted through both electronic and physical platforms to ensure broad accessibility, particularly in rural communities.
Urging party officials, coordinators and supporters to take the exercise seriously, Prof Arunaye said the outcome of the registration drive would significantly shape the party’s future prospects in Delta State. He added that accurate data and active participation at the grassroots would strengthen the party’s organisational capacity ahead of electoral contests.
He also dismissed speculation about internal divisions within the party, insisting that the ADC in Delta State remains united and free of factions. According to him, the leadership is focused on building cohesion and sustaining momentum as preparations intensify.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held alongside the inauguration, registration materials were formally presented to local government area coordinators to support the mobilisation exercise. The items included ADC membership booklets, party flags, branded face caps and Nigerian flags.
The materials were handed over by a member of the party’s transition committee, Barrister George Timinimi, who said the distribution was intended to facilitate effective grassroots mobilisation and ensure uniformity in the registration process across the state.
Party stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that the mobilisation drive would strengthen the ADC’s presence in Delta State and enhance its visibility ahead of future political engagements.