My brothers and sisters,
Great people of Lagos,
Fellow Nigerians who love democracy,
We have gathered today at a critical moment in the life of our country. Recently, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, announced that it has shortlisted 14 new associations for political party registration.
On the surface, it may sound like progress. It may look like freedom of association at work. But let us pause and ask ourselves: is Nigeria’s democracy stronger when dozens of weak parties spring up only to disappear after every election?
Not too long ago, INEC deregistered several political parties, telling Nigerians that the system was overcrowded, unstable, and confusing to voters. Today, the same INEC has thrown the door open again, and we are heading back to the same old cycle of confusion.
Fellow Lagosians, let us be honest: democracy is not strengthened by the multiplication of weak parties. Democracy is strengthened when credible platforms are given the space to grow, to mature, and to offer real choices to the people.
Yes, we recognize that our constitution guarantees freedom of association. But in every democracy, there is wisdom in balance. What Nigeria needs at this time is stability in party politics. A temporary closure of registration would have allowed parties to consolidate, deepen internal democracy, and present stronger alternatives to the people.
But what is happening instead? The ruling party has found a clever way to scatter the opposition. With every new, weak association that turns into a party, the opposition is fragmented, the ballot is cluttered, and the ruling establishment stands to gain.
We must call this what it is: a deliberate strategy to weaken the opposition and deny Nigerians the united force of credible alternatives.
And where is the National Assembly in all of this? If our lawmakers were unbiased, if they truly cared about Nigeria’s democratic future, they would have acted to protect the health of our party system. But once again, they have failed.
Yet, I stand before you today to assure you: ADP Lagos will not be silenced, distracted, or drowned in the noise of artificial proliferation.
We are not a bargaining chip. We are not a party on paper. We are a living, breathing movement of Lagosians who believe in accountable leadership, economic justice, and transparent governance.
The ruling party may scatter the opposition into tiny fragments, but ADP Lagos will remain strong, focused, and unshaken. We are the credible alternative. We are the voice of the people. We are the rallying point for all who want real change.
So I call on you today:
- Do not be deceived by confusion on the ballot.
- Do not allow proliferation to dilute your power.
- Stand firm with ADP Lagos, the true home of Lagosians who want progress, justice, and prosperity.
Together, we will prove that no amount of distractions can stop a determined people.
Together, we will show that our democracy is not a game of football but a fight for credibility.
Together, we will make Lagos and Nigeria proud.
ADP! — The Credible Alternative!
ADP! — The People’s Voice!
ADP! — The Future of Lagos!
Thank you, and God bless Lagos State, God bless Nigeria.
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