APC Accused of Forcing Traders, Market Women to Join Party Through Intimidation

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of using intimidation and economic pressure to force traders and market women in the South-West to join the ruling party.

The allegation was made on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State, by the newly inaugurated South-West Zonal Chairman of the ADC, Rahman Owokoniran.

Owokoniran spoke shortly after assuming office alongside other zonal executives of the party at the Ibadan Business School, Old Bodija.

He claimed that commercial activities in several markets across the region are being politicised, with traders allegedly compelled to register with the APC against their will.

According to him, refusal to comply attracts threats ranging from market raids to sudden closure of shops and disruption of daily business activities.

“Market women and men are reportedly being pressured to register with the ruling party under duress, including threats of raiding their markets and locking their shops indiscriminately, thereby preventing them from selling their goods and earning a living.”

He further alleged that government palliatives meant to ease hardship are now being used as political instruments to control the poor and working class.

Owokoniran said such actions are not driven by concern for citizens but by the desire to secure political loyalty.

“Such practices were designed to manipulate loyalty and suppress dissent among vulnerable populations.”

He warned that these developments threaten democratic principles and weaken confidence in governance.

Owokoniran argued that when hunger and fear are used as tools of politics, democracy loses its true meaning.

“The political manipulation of hunger and hardship to influence loyalty distorts democracy and erodes human dignity. The ADC would resist such tendencies through issue-based mobilisation and grassroots engagement.”

The ADC leader also painted a grim picture of the economic condition in the South-West.

He said inflation, joblessness, food scarcity and insecurity have continued to worsen the living conditions of ordinary people in the region.

Despite describing the South-West as a zone rich in talent and enterprise, he noted that poverty is deepening due to poor leadership and weak economic policies.

“As a party, we must respond not with anger but with strategic planning in the interest of the people. Leadership must be about service, accountability and empowerment.”

Owokoniran pledged that the ADC under his leadership would focus on building strong party structures across the South-West.

He said the party would prioritise grassroots mobilisation and promote a governance agenda centred on the needs of the people.

The Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, Bamidele Ajadi, also addressed party members at the event.

He urged them to concentrate on internal organisation rather than rushing into the race for elective offices.

Ajadi said electoral success can only come from unity and a solid party foundation.

“We must build the party first before talking about candidates. A strong party structure is what produces strong and credible candidates.”

Earlier, the Oyo State Chairman of the ADC, Yinka Olona, described the inauguration as a turning point for the party in the South-West.

He called on members to remain loyal to the party’s vision and work collectively to expand its presence across the region.

The event also featured the unveiling of several national and zonal officers.

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