The Lagos State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has defended its inclusivity following controversy over the ethnic composition of its local government area chairpersons.
The dispute erupted after party chieftain and former Lagos gubernatorial candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, posted a flyer on X containing the names and phone numbers of ADC local government chairpersons.
Social media users responded with mixed reactions, with some claiming the list showed a predominance of individuals from the south-west geopolitical zone, while others frowned at the inclusion of persons from other ethnic groups.
Responding to the allegations on Tuesday, January 27, during an interaction with journalists in Lagos, the state party chairman, George Ashiru, emphasised that the ADC remains committed to accommodating all Nigerians regardless of their ethnic, religious, or cultural identity.
Ashiru rejected suggestions that any single ethnic group dominates the party, insisting that the leadership structure in Lagos accurately represents the state’s multicultural population.
“ADC is Nigeria, and every Nigerian is recognised in ADC,” Ashiru stated in a release issued by Lagos ADC spokesperson, Eyiyemi Rogbinyin.
He stressed that the party’s diverse composition is intentional and reflects its core values.
“Our party is a coalition of people from different ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds.”
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“This diversity is not accidental; it is a deliberate reflection of our values and of the Lagos population itself.”
The chairman reaffirmed the party’s open-door policy to all Nigerians.
“Our doors are open to everyone. ADC accommodates all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion.”
Ashiru explained that the party’s strength lies in its members’ shared commitment to fundamental principles rather than ethnic allegiance.
“What unites us is a shared belief in justice, equity, and good governance.”
He urged members of the public to disregard misleading narratives circulating on social media platforms and to verify information through the party’s official communication channels before drawing conclusions.
The controversy highlights ongoing sensitivities around ethnic representation in Nigerian politics, particularly in cosmopolitan states like Lagos where questions of inclusivity and fair representation remain contentious issues.