Stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State have opened their doors to Governor Seyi Makinde amid rising defection rumours, even as they cautioned against imposition, domination and undemocratic practices within the party.

A chieftain of the party, Mrs. Bolanle Sarumi (Basa), said the ADC was willing to receive the governor and other prominent political actors, provided they embrace the party’s ideology of fairness, inclusiveness and respect for internal democracy.

Sarumi reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to the rule of law, stressing that the party welcomes all Nigerians but would not compromise its values to accommodate political heavyweights.

“We are a party that respects the rule of law and welcomes everybody,” she said. “However, the ADC is built on a strong ideological foundation. It is not a platfo’m for domination, imposition or political high-handedness.”

Addressing speculation that Governor Makinde may be considering a move to the ADC, Sarumi said although the reports were yet to be confirmed, the party would receive him warmly if he decides to join.

“If it is true that Governor Makinde intends to join our great party, he is welcome,” she stated. “But he must understand that the ADC operates on a clear ideology of fairness and equity. There is no room for domination or imposition in our party.”

In the same vein, the Oyo State Chairman of the ADC, Mr. Yinka Olona, said the party was open to growth and new alliances but insisted that its democratic culture must be respected by all members, regardless of political status.

Olona said the ADC had distinguished itself as a platform that promotes participatory politics and collective decision-making.

“Our doors are open, but our principles are not negotiable,” he said. “The ADC is not a party where one individual dictates for others. Every member has a voice, and decisions are taken collectively.”

Also speaking, another party leader, Chief Niyi Aborisade, warned that the ADC must not sacrifice its ideals in the quest to attract influential politicians.

“The ADC must not become like the APC and PDP that we criticise daily,” Aborisade said. “We must practise what we preach. There must be no Imposition, no godfatherism and no dictatorship in our party.”

He added that while the entry of high-profile politicians could strengthen the party, it must not come at the expense of loyal members who had built the ADC from the grassroots.

“The impact of those joining must not be allowed to erode the efforts of those who have worked tirelessly for the party,” he said, stressing that growth must be guided by fairness, respect and equity.

The ADC leaders maintained that the party remains focused on building a credible political alternative anchored on ideology, transparency and democratic values ahead of future elections.

However, reacting to the speculation, the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Michael Ogunsina, dismissed reports of Governor Makinde’s defection.

“It is a lie. There is nothing like that,” he said. (The Guardian)