ADC Launches Membership Drive in Gombe to Bolster 2027 Prospects

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Gombe State has commenced a fresh membership drive as part of efforts to strengthen its political base ahead of the 2027 general elections. The initiative was formally inaugurated on Friday evening with the constitution of the State Transition and Membership Drive Committee.

Speaking at the event, the Gombe State Chairman of the ADC, Auwal Barde, emphasized the party’s determination to rescue both the state and the nation from what he described as years of stagnation. According to him, the ADC represents an alternative platform where development, inclusion, and progress will be prioritized.

Barde called on the people of Gombe to embrace the ADC, stressing that only collective action would make the Nigeria and Gombe State citizens aspire for possible. “ADC is here to ensure development across the board. We call on residents of Gombe to join the party to make the Nigeria and the state we yearn for possible,” he declared.

Addressing Rumours of Division

Former Minister of Transportation, Abdullahi Umar, used the platform to dismiss claims of internal division within the ADC. He clarified that while disagreements were normal in politics, the party had already addressed past conflicts through established mechanisms.

Umar recalled that earlier disputes had been resolved in 2024, paving the way for Barde’s reinstatement as state chairman with the endorsement of the national executive. He urged members not to be distracted by rumours but to focus on building a united front. “There is no dispute—people should return to their positions,” Umar asserted.

He further underscored that internal debates and congresses were healthy signs of democratic practice, noting that such processes eventually strengthened party structures when properly managed.

ADC Ambitious Membership Target

Unveiling the plans of the newly formed committee, Umar revealed that the ADC was aiming to attract at least 500,000 members in the coming months. He explained that the exercise would be continuous and would penetrate the grassroots to ensure inclusiveness.

According to him, the party’s strategy was not only about growing numbers but also about building structures that could compete effectively with the dominant parties in the state. “Today, we constituted a committee to drive membership across the state. They will be going to the grassroots, and this will be a continuous exercise,” Umar said.

The committee is expected to deploy a mix of door-to-door mobilization, community sensitization, and digital outreach to meet its target.

PVCs as the Key to Political Power

Both Barde and Umar emphasized the centrality of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) in reshaping Nigeria’s democracy. They urged members of the public, especially the youth, to take part in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

“Collection of PVCs is very important. It will give you the opportunity to decide who should represent you at different levels of government,” Umar stressed. The ADC leaders noted that mobilization for membership would be incomplete without a corresponding push for voter registration and PVC collection.

By linking party enrolment with voter empowerment, the ADC hopes to ensure that its supporters are not only card-carrying members but also active participants in the democratic process.

Committee Pledges Inclusive Campaign

Chairman of the State Transition and Membership Drive Committee, John Yoriyo, reassured supporters that the committee’s mandate went beyond increasing ADC’s membership base. He explained that the group would also intensify efforts to encourage citizens to register and collect their PVCs.

“We will encourage residents to register and collect their PVCs, and we will also market ADC to the grassroots,” Yoriyo stated. He added that the committee would adopt community-driven strategies to appeal to diverse groups, including women and young people.

Yoriyo expressed optimism that by combining voter education with grassroots political marketing, the ADC would position itself as a credible alternative in the state’s political landscape.