ADC Accuses APC of Intimidating Traders and Market Women in South West Nigeria

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of using intimidation and economic pressure to force traders and market women in the South West region of Nigeria to join the ruling party. The newly inaugurated South West zonal chairman of the ADC, Rahman Owokoniran, highlighted that traders were allegedly being compelled to register with the APC against their will, facing threats of market raids and shop closures if they refused to comply. Owokoniran criticized the alleged use of government palliatives as political tools to control the poor and working class, warning that such actions could weaken democratic principles and erode confidence in the government.

ADC leaders emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement, building strong party structures, and empowering the people. They pledged to prioritize grassroots mobilization and promoting good governance in the region. The event also featured the unveiling of several national and zonal party officials. The former Oyo State chairman of the ADC, Yinka Olona, described the inauguration as a turning point for the party in the South West, urging members to remain loyal to the party's vision and expand its presence across the region.