Social Listening 9 July 2025
The new coalition has been the talk of the polity for two weeks now, with many social media takes.
Original versus fake ADC
Rejoice Not!
ADC IS NOT A ONE-MAN PROJECT:
A RESPONSE TO RAUF AREGBESOLA’S “ACCEPTANCE SPEECH”
-BY DR. MUSA ISA MATARA, ADC NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY-
Dear Party Leaders, Members, and Fellow Nigerians,
While we appreciate the enthusiasm with which Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola delivered his acceptance speech as Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), we must urgently and firmly reject the basis and process behind this appointment — an appointment that lacks proper due process, transparency, and the broad-based legitimacy expected in a democratic political party.
The ADC is not a private coalition platform to be captured by any elite group or individuals, regardless of how eloquent or ideologically polished their speeches may sound. Our party has structures, leadership organs, youth and women wings, and constitutional guidelines—none of which were consulted or respected in the announcement of this so-called “appointment”.
Key Points of Objection:
1. No Legitimate Mandate:
Who appointed Gov. Aregbesola? Which organ of the ADC ratified this appointment? Was the National Executive Committee (NEC) involved in this decision? Were state chairmen, youth leaders, and elected national officers consulted?
If the answer is no—as it is—then this “appointment” is invalid and without effect.
2. False Coalition Claims:
The claim that the ADC has become the “platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group” is misleading. Our millions of members have not been informed or involved in this so-called coalition. If anyone is trying to force an opposition merger without grassroots approval, they are undermining democratic principles and party sovereignty.
3. Legal Crisis Still Unresolved:
Let it be known to those assembling at our party under this chaotic coalition arrangement that the ADC has been battling unresolved legal crises since the 2023 general elections. These matters remain unresolved in court. Any coalition attempt built on such shaky legal ground is irresponsible and potentially self-destructive.
4. Incoming Members Must Be Cautious:
We warn those entering the ADC as part of this imposed arrangement to proceed with caution. Be aware that a few individuals are attempting to sell out the soul of our party for personal advantage. The ADC is not for sale. It belongs to its members, not to political traders or elite dealmakers.
5. Legacy of Undemocratic Culture:
Ironically, the speech discusses internal democracy, ideological discipline, and inclusiveness — yet the very process by which Gov. Aregbesola emerges contradicts every word he just spoke. Democracy cannot start with imposition. The ADC must not become another replica of the broken parties we seek to replace.
6. Party Supremacy Does Not Mean Silence:
The idea that “the party must be supreme” cannot be used as a tool to silence dissent or sideline genuine party members. Party supremacy begins with consultation and consensus, not executive declarations disguised as patriotic rhetoric.
7. Our Youth Are Watching:
For a speech that claims to care about youth inclusion, where was the youth wing of the ADC in all this? Were youth leaders, women leaders, or even ward structures consulted? Or is this just another top-down recycling of elite political control in progressive clothing?
Our Stand:
We firmly support accountable leadership, transparent decision-making, and a people-powered party structure. Any process that excludes the very people it claims to serve is undemocratic and must be challenged.
We urge all authentic stakeholders of the ADC—across states, zones, and demographic groups—to oppose this attempted takeover of our party.
We are not opposed to coalitions.
We are not opposed to reform.
But we oppose hijacking, imposition, and speeches that sound revolutionary but disguise elitist intentions beneath poetic language.
Until a legitimate, constitutionally backed ADC National Convention or NEC confirms leadership changes, no one has the moral or legal right to speak on behalf of our party nationally.
Long live ADC.
Long live the voices of genuine democracy.
Long live the grassroots members who will not be silenced.
Signed,
Concerned Stakeholders of the ADC
—Youth Leaders, Women Leaders, State Party Executives, and Ward Coordinators Nationwide, July 1st, 2025
Dr. Musa Isa Matara IQAM
National Publicity Secretary, ADC (Original).
Read also: ADC has no preferred presidential candidate for 2027 – David Mark
Point-counter point
Coalition effects?
George Eze Emeghara
I dey laff.
Nothing like a bit of competition, or opposition, to make people sit up.
Obviously dis Coalition, abi na Collision, don shock some people.
Those talking about the members of the ” Collision ” being inconsequential spent forces can be described as doing “pass maga”, “bugaring” “shakara “or “gra-gra”.
They know there is trouble.
The APC people will remember that this is how they started in 2013, when several parties came together to form the APC to challenge the then-almighty PDP.
They will also remember that at the time, members of the PDP dismissed them, the way they are dismissing the Coalition now.
Those of them who can think and who can remember know that it will be suicidal to write off the ” Collision”.
Especially as the elections are two long years away, which gives the Coalition plenty of time to undermine them. So, they have to wake up and sit up.
If the list below is correct, they are already doing so.
If they wake up, it is to the benefit of the people.
GEE.
COPIED via WhatsApp o
Under 72 Hours of Coalition
1. Naira debit cards for international payments activated
2. NNPC reduced the fuel price
3. FG to negotiate with Nnamdi Kanu
4. Wike don kolo
5. APC calls emergency NEC Meeting
6. Tinubu has begun calling people he abandoned since 29th May 2023, on the phone.
7. Tinubu set up a committee to look into the prices of goods in the market with special interest in the cost of foodstuffs to control it.
8. Tinubu has directed his COS and SGF to release the list of many appointments they compiled and dumped since last year
9. Tinubu directed the immediate release of funds to his appointees to enhance their performance.
The Ndi APC has already started reaping the gains and benefits of the coalition. Is God not wonderful?
Partial win for both the Senate and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in court ruling
One strand of the ongoing drama involving the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan concluded in Justice Binta Nyako’s court.
Justice Binta Nyako averred: “A suspension cannot deprive constituents of representation for virtually an entire legislative year.”
The court order significantly reinforces constitutional rights against legislative overreach, but the Senate’s procedural delays underscore ongoing institutional friction. As Natasha strives to return, this case remains a key test for Nigeria’s democratic resilience.
Court Ruling Highlights
Suspension Declared Unconstitutional:
Justice Binta Nyako (Federal High Court, Abuja) nullified Natasha’s 6-month suspension (imposed March 2025) as “excessive” and procedurally flawed.
Key reasoning: With only 181 mandated sitting days each year, a 180-day suspension effectively disenfranchised Kogi Central constituents, violating their constitutional rights to representation.
Senate Rules Faulted:
Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses Act were deemed “overreaching” for lacking clear suspension limits.
The court ordered Natasha’s immediate reinstatement, stressing that legislative discipline must not undermine democracy.
Contempt Finding Against Natasha:
Fined ₦5M and ordered to publish apologies (in two newspapers + Facebook) for a satirical post violating a gag order during litigation.
Crucially, this penalty is legally separate from the reinstatement order.
Partial Win for Akpabio:
The court upheld Akpabio’s right to deny Natasha speaking privileges during plenary (Feb 2025) since she wasn’t in her assigned seat.
Senate’s Position & Next Steps
“Awaiting Certified Copy”: Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu insists they cannot act until receiving the judgment’s Certified True Copy (CTC), claiming:
“No party can enforce any perceived order without formal service.”
Stalling Tactics? Legal experts note the Senate’s delay contradicts the court’s unambiguous reinstatement directive.
Natasha’s Stance: She announced plans to resume duties on Tuesday, July 9, citing the court’s verdict.
⚡ Broader Implications
Rule of Law Test: The Senate’s compliance (or lack thereof) is seen as a critical test for judicial independence and legislative accountability.
Gender & Power Dynamics: Natasha’s prior sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio and the Senate’s aggressive response highlight systemic tensions in Nigeria’s politics.
Constitutional Precedent: The ruling mandates that future suspensions be “reasonable” and not exceed the practical legislative timelines.
🔄 What to Watch
Tuesday’s Plenary: Will Natasha be admitted? A refusal could trigger contempt proceedings against the Senate leadership.
Contempt Penalties: Natasha’s compliance with the ₦5M fine/apology deadline (July 11) may fuel further political sparring.
Ongoing Cases: Separate cybercrime and defamation suits against Natasha are currently being heard in Abuja courts.
