Breaking News: ADC Crisis Deepens, As Party Faction Calls Out Imposition, Rejects Atiku-Led Coalition’s Leadership Lineup
By Oludare Joshua
Concerns are escalating regarding the stability of the newly formed opposition coalition that has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform for the upcoming 2027 general elections. Dissenting members within the party are vocally rejecting this move, alleging imposition by the party leadership.
Notable former ADC leaders, including the 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu and Dr. Musa Isa Matara, the “National Publicity Secretary of ADC (original),” have criticized the recent decisions, asserting that they lack the consensual support of the party’s original members.
In a statement reflecting the sentiments of the splinter group, they expressed their objections: “We oppose hijacking, imposition, and rhetoric that sounds revolutionary while masking elitist ambitions beneath poetic language.” They emphasized, “Until a legitimate, constitutionally endorsed ADC National Convention or National Executive Committee (NEC) confirms leadership changes, no individual holds the moral or legal right to represent our party nationally.”
On behalf of youth and women leaders, as well as state executives and ward coordinators across the country, Matara outlined a seven-point grievance against the leadership of former Senate President David Mark and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola. Key points of contention include the alleged lack of a legitimate mandate, misleading coalition claims, unresolved legal issues, imposed arrangements aimed at manipulating unwitting members, a legacy of undemocratic practices, the marginalization of youth, and the misinterpretation of silence as consent or party loyalty.
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Addressing concerns over Aregbesola’s acceptance speech, disgruntled members contended, “Ironically, while promoting internal democracy, ideological discipline, and inclusiveness, the manner of Aregbesola’s selection contradicts those very principles. Democracy cannot flourish through imposition. The ADC must not mirror the failures of the parties we aim to replace.”
Kachikwu further criticized the recent announcements surrounding ADC’s leadership, noting, “It’s both amusing and concerning to see the group led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar claim control over the national leadership of the ADC. The truth is, they are in alliance with the former leadership headed by Ralph Nwosu, whose tenure expired on August 21, 2022, yet he continues to present himself as party chairman amidst ongoing litigations.”
In parallel, Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), dismissed the ADC’s new developments, stating, “Joining thieves to combat thieves is not the answer.”
Mr. Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress, cautioned Nigerians about “political hawks” seeking to exploit the ADC platform for ulterior motives tied to state capture. He remarked on the ADC leadership’s unveiling in Abuja, warning, “Nigerians should remain vigilant against these political opportunists, who previously disrupted our sister party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), by violating the rotation convention for the presidency and Section 7 of the PDP Constitution. Their intentions appear directed solely at state control, so citizens must remain cautious.”
