Dare Babalola
Former presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie, has thrown her weight behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the party’s proposed collegiate system of governance as a new model capable of transforming leadership in Nigeria.
Onochie, in a post shared on her X handle on Tuesday, explained that the ADC’s governance structure is designed to promote teamwork, inclusiveness and collective responsibility, rather than concentrating power in the hands of one individual.
According to her, “Instead of one person winning and controlling everything, ADC wants a team of leaders working together; like classmates doing a group project.”
She likened the proposed system to a classroom setting where a class captain works alongside other top pupils, rather than taking decisions alone.
She wrote, “Old way: One child wins and makes all the decisions. New ADC way: The captain works with other top students as a team so everyone helps lead.”
Onochie said one of the core benefits of the model is shared leadership, noting that no single person would dominate the party or government structure.
She stated, “No one person is the boss of everything. It’s like having a team of prefects, not just one. Everyone helps make decisions.”
She also said the system would help reduce internal disputes often seen after elections, as unsuccessful contenders would still have a place within the leadership structure.
According to her, “Even if you don’t win, you’re still part of the team. So: no quarrels, no sabotage, everyone stays united.”
On party discipline, Onochie said ADC intends to enforce strict internal rules that would apply equally to all members, including those in leadership positions.
She noted, “The party wants rules that everyone must follow, including leaders. Like school rules: even the class captain must obey them.”
She further stated that the central focus of the collegiate system is to improve the welfare of Nigerians by ensuring governance is people-centred.
“The main goal is to make life better for all Nigerians,” she said.
Taking a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Onochie alleged that the current government had become excessively centralized.
She claimed, “This is a breath of fresh air for Nigerians, at a time Pres. Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transmuted into an emperor, arrogating all powers to himself.”
She added that the ADC’s collegiate system is positioned to provide inclusive leadership for all citizens, regardless of ethnic, religious or political affiliations.
“ADC’s Collegiate system is poised to establish collective political leadership that will serve all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion and political party affiliations. Join us,” she wrote.
