We won’t just speak, ADC’ll hold power to account — Rep Ogene

By Gift ChapiOdekina

The newly elected caucus leader of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the House of Representative, Rep Afam Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State, in this exclusive interview with Vanguard, speaks on his emergence, the fusion of opposition forces, internal party disputes, allegations of bias against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the road to 2027 among others.

As the ADC caucus leader in the House of Representatives, what immediate direction are you setting for the caucus?

I was chosen by my colleagues. About 15 members met, nominated me, and no one else contested. That shows the confidence they have in me.

Now, regarding direction, when I defected from the Labour Party, I made it clear that it was from opposition to opposition not to the ruling party, as some others have done. That means I remain committed to the ideals we came into the 10th Assembly with to be the voice of the ordinary Nigerian.

The Labour Party platform became toxic, and we had to move. But this movement is not a setback it is an opportunity. What we now have is an amalgam of forces from Labour Party, PDP, NNPP, and others. Before now, we were separate; now we are fused into one bloc.

Because of our numbers, we are now the major opposition in the House.

Our job is clear: to hold government accountable including the leadership of the National Assembly itself. Yes, there’s a cliché that the minority will have their say while the majority will have their way. But we are not just here to talk and move on. We are here to ensure our positions are recorded for posterity.

When decisions are taken like the passage of major tax bills we will put our positions on record so that history will reflect where we stood.

We will act as watchdogs and push pro-people legislation within what is realistically achievable. With about 13 months left in the 10th Assembly, Nigerians should expect a more robust opposition caucus.

Critics say ADC is merely a coalition of old political actors. How do you respond?

Calling them “old players” is misplaced. In any society, the young must be guided by the experience of the elderly.

Look at the calibre of people involved. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demonstrated commitment to democracy, even taking the government he served to court and winning multiple cases, thereby strengthening our jurisprudence.

Take Peter Obi his record in Anambra State and his belief in the rule of law are well documented. His judicial victories and governance track record speak for him.

Then Rabiu Kwankwaso particularly in the North has deep grassroots appeal, especially among the Talakawa.

Now, if you combine the votes of these three individuals, they garnered over 14 million votes, while the current president secured about 8 million roughly 36 per cent.

So, imagine what happens when these forces align. Additionally, some former APC figures are drifting into the opposition. That will further strengthen us..We have no identity crisis. We are united and ready.

There have been reports linking Kwankwaso to terrorism allegations. What is your reaction?

That report was generalized and did not directly accuse him of financing terrorism. What happened was that he responded to claims about attacks on Christians by pointing out that Muslims are also victims of insecurity. Terrorism in Nigeria affects everyone.

When bombs go off, they don’t discriminate between religions.

So, if anything, he was expressing concern for victims within his religious group not supporting terrorism.

The ADC convention has been described as controversial. Was it truly successful?

Within the party, there were no tensions. However, there are ongoing legal processes, and we have submitted ourselves to judicial scrutiny.

What we reject is the attempt to suffocate the party using those processes.

The court said return to status quo it did not say stop functioning as a political party. You cannot interpret that to mean the party should stop breathing.

If we stop functioning, how do we survive?

INEC’s interpretation is questionable. They are supposed to be neutral arbiters, not participants.

Interestingly, INEC had previously recognized the current leadership in a sworn affidavit. So, they cannot now take a contradictory position.You cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time.

Some stakeholders say the convention favoured certain blocs. Was it inclusive?

It was inclusive. Those making noise were not even present at the convention.

A political party is like a club. If you don’t abide by its rules, you are free to leave.

The Supreme Court has made it clear that internal party matters must first be resolved internally before going to court.

If anyone wants to remain in the party, they can seek redress. If the court orders their reinstatement, we will comply.But for now, we believe they have chosen a different path.

You have accused INEC of partisanship. Do you still stand by that?

Yes, I do.

Let me illustrate with history. Julius Caesar divorced his wife not because she was guilty, but because, in his words, “Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion.”

The same principle applies here. The INEC Chairman must be above suspicion.

There have been instances where he made statements that suggest bias including social media comments supporting certain political figures and criticizing others.

If someone already holds such views, how can Nigerians trust him to conduct free and fair elections?

In advanced democracies, subverting the will of the people is a grave offence.

INEC must be neutral both in action and perception.

How prepared is the opposition for 2027?

Very prepared.

Strength is not about governors. Former President Jonathan had 27 governors and still lost. Some sitting governors even failed to win senatorial seats.

In 2023, Peter Obi built massive momentum within six months. Today, the opposition is even stronger.

More people are joining us, including those leaving the ruling party.

We will not shrink democratic space. Under past administrations, opposition parties could freely hold conventions. Today, that space is being restricted.

We will do things differently.

You have criticised the government’s handling of security. What would you do differently?

The current administration has turned from commander-in-chief to chief mourner.

Morale among security forces is low. There are reports of inadequate rations and ammunition.

You cannot send soldiers into battle with limited bullets against heavily armed insurgents.

Simple strategies can make a difference. For example, regular military exercises along highways would deter kidnappers.

Clearing vegetation 500 metres on both sides of major roads would reduce ambushes. These are practical steps that are not being taken.

What about foreign policy? We mishandled relations with Niger and ended up losing key ECOWAS allies.

Nigeria, the largest black nation, should not be in that position.

What are your key legislative achievements?

The focus has shifted from legislative debates to constituency impact.

We’ve executed projects like school renovations, classroom construction, water supply, and solar street lighting.

We’ve also trained people in renewable energy, fisheries, and clean cooking.

But my most impactful programme is education.

We sponsor WAEC, NECO, and JAMB for students, help them secure admission, and provide scholarships throughout their university education.

We also offer additional support to students facing challenges.

Education is the most sustainable investment.

Will you seek re-election?

Yes. Experience matters. The 10th Assembly suffered due to a high turnover of experienced lawmakers.

With more experience, I can contribute better to governance and representation.

What is your message to Nigerians ahead of 2027?

Power is not served on a platter Nigerians must be ready to claim it.

But we must reject the idea of “snatching” power. Instead, we must insist on a fair contest.

2027 should not be a coronation.

If the current president wants another term, he must earn it.

The people must decide. That is democracy.

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