A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State, Fawaz Muhammad, has expressed confidence that internal disagreements within the party will ultimately strengthen its structure and unity.
Muhammad, who is also contesting for a seat in the State House of Assembly, described the current tensions within the party as a natural phase in its growth. Speaking with journalists, he said the issues being experienced at both the national and state levels revolve around coordination, communication, inclusion, and infiltration.
According to him, such challenges are typical of a developing political organisation and should be addressed with sincerity and a collective commitment to unity from the grassroots to the national leadership.
“The African Democratic Congress is a party I believe in deeply, and like any growing family, we have our moments of disagreement,” he said. “What we are seeing now are issues that require honest engagement and internal cohesion.”
Beyond internal party matters, Muhammad also pointed to the broader political environment, stressing that the role of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is crucial in shaping Nigeria’s democratic landscape. He urged the party in power to ensure fairness and avoid actions that could destabilise the political space.
He emphasised that democracy thrives when opposition parties are allowed to function freely without undue interference, adding that a healthy political system depends on constructive competition rather than suppression.
Muhammad also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain steadfast in its constitutional role as an independent and impartial electoral umpire. He stressed the importance of transparency, credibility, and fairness in electoral processes, noting that public confidence in elections is critical to sustaining democracy.
The ADC chieftain concluded that the current situation within the party calls for reflection, unity, and a renewed sense of responsibility among members, expressing optimism that the party will emerge stronger from its internal challenges.
