Yakubu Busari
The Plateau State Coordinator of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Hon. Manasseh Zakka Watyil has hosted the Old members after 27 years, saying the party will be repositioned towards promoting the grassroots democratic tenets and reviving the country.
He applauded the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson, for introducing the reunion platform with former leaders and founding members of the defunct Alliance for Democracy after about 27 years.
Watyil disclosed that the reunion meeting held at the Civil Service Club, Fidelis Tapgun Way, Jos, aimed at reviving the democratic conversation and also contributing to the survival of Nigeria’s democracy.
We also appreciate the NDC governorship candidate of Plateau State, Chief Sunday Akuns, who supported the AD reunion in the State during the overwhelming stakeholders meeting.
The reunion, held on Monday, 24th August, 2026, brought together some prominent members of the old AD political family, including Former State House of Assembly members, former LGA Chairmen, 24 Councillors, two Chairmen, and State Assembly.
The meeting also condoled with Yoruba leader, the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, an Afenifere leader and founding father of the Alliance for Democracy.
According to him, AD used to be a unique party that was recognized and united in promoting good governance. Today, APC emerged from the AD to form the APC government.
He stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was then the leader of AD since 1999, and Plateau State won with 24 councillors, two members, and two Chairmen.
Manasseh emphasized that the AD party has produced past and present leaders across the 17 LGAs and applauded the leadership of the reunion anchored by former Bayelsa Governor Sen. Seriake Dickson.
He pointed out that the gathering provided an opportunity for former colleagues to reconnect, rebuild old networks and reflect on the journey of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Manasseh Watyil stressed that, “Over the last few hours, we have had the privilege of hosting some of our leaders and colleagues from the old Alliance for Democracy. As many of you will recall, at the dawn of this democratic dispensation in 1998 and 1999, Nigeria had only three political parties.
“I was privileged to serve as a founding State Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy. Many of the distinguished personalities gathered here today, he expressed his historic journey in AD.
” Since we began working together some 27 years ago, we rarely had the opportunity to gather in this manner. Life took us in different directions, but we remained committed to building a legacy for those still alive .”
Manasseh admonished that the reunion was not convened to discuss partisan politics or any possible alliance between the defunct AD and the NDC.
In his congratulatory message, Manasseh Watyili appreciated the sacrifices made by these men and women. The history of AD for recognising the courage, resilience and commitment, including selflessness. As we stood together in solemn reflection, we honoured their memory and reaffirmed our gratitude for the legacy they left behind.
“However, I wish to emphasise that today’s gathering was not convened to take major political decisions. It was primarily a reunion—a chance to reconnect, rebuild relationships, strengthen old networks, and celebrate a shared history of service to our country,” he said.
Watyil said the party agreed to come together in promoting peaceful coexistence amongst the party faithful, as the exco deliberated on fruitful issues.
He said the gathering was designed to reconnect members of the old AD political family, honour the sacrifices of its founding leaders and reflect on the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Alliance for Democracy was a carefully constructed, civic-minded, and ideologically grounded political party. In contrast, the APC was essentially created as a special-purpose political vehicle.
“Therefore, many of those who moved from AD to APC did so in pursuit of political power rather than ideological conviction.
“President Bola Tinubu was indeed a member of AD and, in my opinion, performed remarkably well as Governor of Lagos State under that platform. As for the APC era, Nigerians themselves must judge the performance of successive administrations,” he stated.
The Alliance for Democracy was one of the political parties that emerged during Nigeria’s transition to civil rule and was particularly associated with progressive politics in the South-West.
The reunion therefore allowed members of the old political bloc to reflect on the democratic journey since 1999, while paying tribute to the leaders who helped shape the country’s return to civilian rule.
He expressed gratitude to Senator Seriake Dickson for remembering the old members across the country; also, the meeting resolved that leadership will pay a courtesy visit to Dist.Sen.Dickson in Abuja in appreciation of styling leadership quality.
