Professor Pat Utomi, Deputy Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Manifesto and Policy Committee, has described the party’s national convention as a strong demonstration of resolve amid ongoing legal disputes and institutional challenges.….......
Utomi made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, following the party’s decision to proceed with its convention despite what he characterized as resistance.
Responding to a question on whether the event represented a show of strength and defiance, Utomi said, “Quite a strong one.” He referenced the role of the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, noting his contribution during the gathering. “Rauf Aregbesola, the Secretary of the Party, in his rousing speech, really put it together pretty well,” he said.
Utomi further commented on the broader state of democracy, stating, “Democracy is at a very odd end. We’ve not had it this bad in terms of institutional abuse to try and prevent people from being on the ballot box.”
He drew a historical comparison to past political conditions, adding, “The last time we had this kind of thing was under Abacha,” in reference to the administration of former Head of State, Sani Abacha. He also cited a remark by the late statesman, Bola Ige, stating, “and Chief Bola Ige captured it very well when he talked about the five fingers of the same leprous hand.”
Utomi alleged that opposition parties are facing significant obstacles, saying, “Nothing has been spared to prevent the political parties in opposition from just being a minefield of unnecessary problems.”
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