By Ikechukwu Samuel
The reunion of former members and stalwarts of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) was driven by a determination to contribute to the survival of democracy and the stability of Nigeria, Professor Udenta O. Udenta has said.
Udenta, a foundation member of the Fourth Republic, said the gathering of former AD leaders and members at the home of Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was not primarily about partisan politics but about reconnecting people who played roles in Nigeria’s democratic struggle and mobilising their experience for the future of the country.
Addressing the media after a session by the old members of the AD on the significance of the reunion, Udenta said the group remained concerned about the direction of Nigeria’s democracy and would not remain silent while the country faces growing political and institutional challenges.
“Our overriding concern is the survival of democracy and the continued existence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said. “We remain committed to contributing whatever energy, experience, and wisdom we have left to that cause.”
The professor said the reunion was particularly significant because many of those involved were part of the political movement that helped establish the Fourth Republic after years of military rule.
“When the history of this republic is written, people like us standing here today will occupy a significant place in that narrative,” he said. “We were foundation members of this Fourth Republic. We know the role everyone played, and we cannot remain silent while the country drifts towards instability.”
Udenta said the gathering was also intended to honour former AD leaders who contributed to the struggle for democracy but are no longer alive. He listed Dr. Abraham Adesanya, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Obi Wali Briggs, Tanko Yakasai and Yusuf Mamman among those whose memories and sacrifices deserved recognition.
He described AD as a party founded on civic engagement, democratic values and social justice, arguing that its historical contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development should not be forgotten.
“In the spirit and soul of AD lies the very foundation of this Fourth Republic,” Udenta said, adding that the surviving members of the old guard had gathered to “honour those who have passed on, pray for those still living, and discuss the future of Nigeria.”
He stressed that the reunion should not immediately be interpreted as an attempt to create a political coalition with the New Democratic Congress (NDC) or any other party.
“Our primary objective is to bring our people together, to reconnect and determine who is still active and available,” he said, noting that former AD members are now spread across the NDC, SDP, APC, ADC and other political parties.
According to him, the immediate objective is to rebuild relationships and create a platform for dialogue, while leaving any future political direction for subsequent consultations.
Udenta also expressed concern over what he described as a shrinking civic space and weakening democratic institutions, arguing that the end of military rule alone did not amount to the full achievement of democracy.
“The media has a responsibility to ask difficult questions,” he said. “Democracy is not fully achieved simply because military rule has ended.”
He urged the media to regain the courage it demonstrated during the struggle against military dictatorship, while arguing that democratic legitimacy must go beyond legal recognition by electoral and judicial institutions.
“A government may be legally constituted because it has been recognised by INEC and affirmed by the courts,” he said. “However, legitimacy ultimately comes from governance and public acceptance.”
Udenta said the reunion would continue beyond the initial gathering, with consultations expected to expand to other former AD members across the country.
He maintained that the group’s immediate concern was not the revival of a particular political party but the preservation of democratic values and Nigeria’s stability. “For now, our focus is on bringing together Alliance for Democracy stalwarts, rebuilding relationships, sharing memories, and drawing inspiration from our collective history,” he said.
