By Roy Ofori African Heritage Global Affairs Editor.
The African Democratic Congress Diaspora Network (ADC-DN), widely referred to as the ADC’s “7th Zone,” has raised serious concern over what it describes as a growing wave of politically motivated attacks targeting the party and its coalition partners across the country — from Kaduna to Lagos and Imo State.
In a statement issued after its high-level global leadership meeting on September 6, 2025, ADC-DN warned that the attacks pose a “dangerous threat to the nation and its democracy.” The group urged the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly to protect opposition voices, stressing that President Bola Tinubu, as Chief Security Officer of the Federation, bears ultimate responsibility for safeguarding the political space and ensuring the safety of all actors.
The extraordinary meeting brought together ADC-DN leaders from its five global regions — Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia/Middle East, and Oceania, including continental chairs, vice chairs, women and youth leaders, legal advisers, and members of the ADC Board of Trustees. Discussions centered on aligning Diaspora activities with the ADC’s Transitional Operational Guidelines (TOR) and strengthening coordination ahead of the party’s upcoming congress.
Key decisions from the meeting included the establishment of six zonal offices in each of the five global regions, with similar structures to be replicated at the country level. This step, the network said, is designed to upscale operations and ensure that ADC-DN remains formally aligned with the party’s transitional operational framework.
In his opening remarks, ADC-DN Chairman Hon. (Dr.) Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi, the immediate past Deputy National Chairman (Diaspora Engagement) under Chief Ralph Nwosu’s led NWC, emphasized the constitutional legitimacy of the Diaspora Network. “The African Democratic Congress, as a progressive political party with a pan-Nigerian and global vision, has embedded in its constitution the recognition of the Nigerian Diaspora as a critical constituency for national transformation,” Gbandi said. “Article 15 of the amended ADC Constitution establishes ADC-DN as a legitimate and strategic structure within the party’s operational framework. Our role is not just recognized but strategically future-ready.”
He stressed that ADC-DN governance structure is not in conflict with the party’s transitional guidelines or the newly introduced Zonal Vice Chairmen (Diaspora) in Nigeria. “Rather, it creates a collaborative interface between global Diaspora communities and Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, aligning with ADC’s mission of building a truly inclusive political movement,” he added. Gbandi also highlighted ADC-DN’s historic achievements in mobilizing Nigerians abroad across five continents, advancing electoral campaigns, public diplomacy, and policy engagement. He reassured participants that the new zonal structure would strengthen, not weaken Diaspora governance and help guard against attempts by local politicians to dominate the network through proxies, a fear shared by many of the leaders at the meeting.
Participants reaffirmed ADC-DN’s commitment to serving as a political think-tank, campaign funding hub, policy advisory body, and global goodwill ambassador for the party. They further outlined expectations for ADC leadership in Nigeria, including stronger security protections for party members, deeper integration of Diaspora structures into national decision-making, and full transparency as the party moves toward its next congress. The Continental Chairpersons expressed appreciation for the leadership, steadfastness and Diaspora advocacy of ADC-DN Chairman Hon. (Dr.) Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi.
With over 20 million Nigerians living abroad, ADC-DN reiterated its determination to remain a critical partner in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future and ensuring that the voices of the Diaspora continue to contribute to the country’s political and economic transformation.
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