A group of concerned citizens under the aegis of Advocate for Women in Governance on Thursday staged a peaceful protest at the national secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja, calling on the party’s leadership to provide clarification over allegations that it disbursed ₦100 million in relation to the recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) election.
The demonstrators, who arrived at the party’s headquarters in the nation’s capital in the early hours of the day, carried placards with inscriptions demanding transparency, accountability, and openness in party affairs. Their action, they said, was prompted by claims made on national television approximately three weeks ago, which alleged that a substantial sum of money was released by the party to cover election-related expenses.
Addressing journalists during the protest, the convener of the group, Amaka Christian, emphasized that their mission was not to accuse the ADC of wrongdoing but to seek clarity on a matter that had already entered the public domain. According to her, the credibility of political institutions depends largely on their willingness to address concerns raised by citizens in a timely and transparent manner.
“We are here this afternoon for a simple mission,” Christian stated. “We want to ask the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress if it is true that ₦100 million was disbursed to cover costs for the just-concluded FCT election.”
She reiterated that the protest was peaceful and driven by a genuine desire for accountability rather than confrontation. Christian noted that the allegation, having been aired publicly, required a direct response from the party to either confirm or refute it, thereby putting an end to speculation.
“We just want the truth,” she continued. “If the claim is true, we would like to know. If it is not, then the party should come out clearly to deny it. The allegation has been made publicly, and it is important for the ADC to address it openly.”
Christian further explained that the group’s next line of action would depend on the response provided by the party. She indicated that the protest marked the beginning of what could become a broader civic engagement effort if the issue is not adequately addressed.
“We are waiting for their response to determine our next steps,” she said, adding that the group remains committed to promoting transparency and accountability, particularly in matters that affect democratic processes and public trust.
The protest attracted attention from passersby and security personnel, though it remained orderly throughout its duration. Members of the group maintained a calm demeanor, chanting and displaying their placards without obstructing movement in the area.
In response to the concerns raised by the protesters, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Queen Okiyi, appealed for calm and patience, assuring that the party would address the issue appropriately. She described the allegation as a rumour that should not be allowed to create unnecessary tension within the party or among its supporters.
“The party is aware of the concerns being raised,” Okiyi said while speaking to journalists. “We urge everyone to remain calm as we provide the necessary clarification. This is not a matter that should divide us.”
Okiyi also took the opportunity to reaffirm the party’s commitment to inclusivity, particularly its support for women’s participation in governance. She noted that the ADC has consistently demonstrated its dedication to empowering women and ensuring their voices are heard within the political space.
“The African Democratic Congress has the interests of women at heart,” she stated. “We encourage all members and supporters to avoid divisive rhetoric and to remain focused on our collective goal of building a stronger and more united platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Political observers have noted that the situation highlights the growing demand for transparency within Nigeria’s political parties, especially in the management of funds and election-related activities. As public scrutiny intensifies, parties are increasingly expected to provide clear and timely explanations regarding their financial dealings.
The allegation in question, though yet to be substantiated, has sparked conversations about internal accountability mechanisms within political organizations. Analysts suggest that how the ADC handles the issue could influence public perception of the party in the lead-up to future elections.
For now, the protesters say they will await an official statement from the party leadership. Whether the ADC will confirm, deny, or further investigate the claim remains to be seen, but the call for transparency from civic groups underscores a broader push for openness in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, incidents such as this serve as a reminder of the critical role that citizen engagement plays in holding institutions accountable and ensuring that democratic values are upheld.
