Can ADC truly emerge as Osun third force?

By Ismail Azeez

The emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a genuine third force in Osun State hinges on whether it can successfully bridge the gap between high-level political experience and grassroots mobilization.

By installing seasoned veterans like Issa Adesiji and Lani Baderinwa both pillars of the Rauf Aregbesola era, the party has effectively transformed into a sanctuary for the Omoluabi faction of the APC.

This strategic alignment gives the ADC immediate institutional memory and a sophisticated administrative structure that most fringe parties lack.

The selection of Dr. Najeem Salaam as the projected candidate further solidifies this play, as his eight-year tenure as Speaker of the State House of Assembly provides a ready-made profile of stability and statewide recognition.

However, the transition from an influential political faction to a dominant electoral force requires more than just a recognizable front office.

The ADC must now contend with the entrenched binaries of Osun politics, where the PDP and APC hold significant financial and structural advantages.

While the influx of Aregbesola loyalists provides a formidable backbone, the party's true test lies in its ability to convince the average voter that it is a viable alternative rather than a mere protest vehicle for disgruntled ex-APC members.

To truly disrupt the status quo and push past competitors like the Accord Party, the ADC must translate its elite-level pedigree into a movement that resonates at the polling unit level, proving it has the stamina to survive the immense pressure of the August 2026 governorship race.