NDC Hosts Alliance for Democracy Old Guard Reunion, Calls for Democratic Renewal
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has hosted an Epochal Homecoming Reunion of the Old Guard Alliance for Democracy, bringing together former members, leaders and prominent figures associated with the party’s pro-democracy movement.
The gathering, held under the theme “Reclaiming Our Moral Mandate: A National Democratic Conversation for a Reborn Polity,” provided a platform for participants to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and discuss the future of the country’s political system.
The organisers described the event as more than a reunion, saying it was an opportunity to reconnect with the political ideals and values that shaped the Alliance for Democracy while examining the challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy today.
They said the gathering was driven by concerns over what they described as transactional politics and the erosion of political ideology, with participants expected to explore ways of achieving credible, people-centred and electorally sustainable outcomes.
Chief Michael Odurinde, Senior Special Adviser to the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo and a founding father of the Alliance for Democracy, served as the Father of the Day, while Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, was the Chief Host.
The event brought together former members of the Alliance for Democracy’s National Executive Committee and National Working Committee, alongside political leaders, intellectuals and pro-democracy advocates from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Among those in attendance were Ambassador Mamman Yusuf, Comrade Usman Adamu Song and Professor Udenta Udenta, the first National Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy.
The gathering also served as a National Democratic Conversation, with participants examining the current state of Nigeria’s democracy and considering strategic approaches towards strengthening political participation and electoral processes.
The organisers said the meeting was aimed at connecting the experience of the past with the demands of the present and future, while encouraging stakeholders to move beyond criticism towards constructive political engagement.
The event was convened by Dr Manzo Abubakar, former Alliance for Democracy senatorial candidate and Leader of the Northern Caucus of the Alliance for Democracy, on behalf of the NDC convening committee.
The organisers said the reunion marked an opportunity for democrats and former comrades of the pro-democracy struggle to renew their commitment to building a more credible and people-centred political system.
Benta Ibrahim
