Yesufu Joins ADC Leadership: Activist to Co-Pilot Membership Drive

The African Democratic Congress has taken a significant step in its strategic rebranding by appointing prominent activist Aisha Yesufu as the deputy chairperson of its newly inaugurated membership revalidation committee. The appointment, announced during a high-profile ceremony on Wednesday, signals the party’s intent to bridge the gap between grassroots activism and mainstream political organization. Yesufu, a vocal critic of governance failures and a key figure in the “Obidient” movement, now finds herself at the heart of the ADC’s mission to build a more inclusive and data-driven political platform ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

National Chairman Senator David Mark, who presided over the inauguration of the 20-member committee in Abuja, described the initiative as a cornerstone for the party’s national repositioning. The former Senate President emphasized that for any political movement to achieve lasting relevance, it must be anchored in credible and verifiable data. By bringing in figures like Yesufu, the ADC appears to be positioning itself as a “third force” capable of attracting the disillusioned youth vote and those seeking a departure from the traditional two-party dominance.

The committee is chaired by Kashim Imam, a seasoned political veteran and former governorship candidate, with Dr. Sekonte Davies serving as the secretary. The inclusion of diverse political actors, including former Labour Party governorship candidate Gbolahan Rhodes-Vivour and Yunusa Tanko, suggests a broad coalition-building effort. Senator Mark noted that the primary goal is to foster unity and stronger cohesion within the party while improving its competitive edge across all thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the party leadership, the committee’s mandate is comprehensive. It will oversee a nationwide revalidation of existing members while facilitating fresh registrations for new entrants. The process is set to utilize a hybrid approach, deploying both electronic and manual platforms to ensure transparency and prevent the data manipulation often associated with political registers. The introduction of new membership cards, featuring state-specific security protocols, is intended to curb infiltration and provide a clear picture of the party’s actual strength on the ground.

In his remarks, Senator Mark underscored that justice, equity, and people-centered governance remain the guiding principles of the ADC. He urged the committee members to execute their duties with the highest level of integrity, warning against bias or favoritism. The focus, he insisted, must be on grassroots mobilization—reaching beyond urban centers into the rural communities, creeks, and deserts where the pulse of the electorate is truly felt.

Aisha Yesufu’s transition into this formal political role has been met with significant interest. Having recently picked up her ADC membership card, her appointment to the deputy chair position suggests she will be instrumental in the party’s outreach to civil society and the younger demographic. Her reputation for demanding accountability is expected to be a key asset in ensuring the revalidation process is seen as legitimate and transparent by the public.

Committee Chairman Kashim Imam expressed his commitment to the task, describing the exercise as a “turning point” for the ADC. He pledged that the committee would operate with diligence and transparency, aiming to transform the party into a movement driven truly by the people. Imam assured the party leadership and supporters that work would begin immediately, with a strict 30-day window to complete the assignment and submit a comprehensive report.

As the political landscape begins to shift toward 2027, the ADC’s proactive approach to membership management sets a distinct tone. By integrating activist voices with veteran political strategists, the party is attempting to build a structure that is both administratively sound and ideologically resonant. The success of this 30-day blitz will likely determine the ADC’s capacity to serve as a formidable challenger in the coming years.