ADC coalition leadership crisis erupts as Dumebi Kachikwu and party leaders reject takeover by Atiku-led alliance, calling it illegal and deceptive

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]DC coalition leadership crisis has exploded into public view following strong opposition from key party figures after a controversial takeover move by an alliance led by former vice president Atiku Abubakar.

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The political coalition, which was publicly unveiled in Abuja with fanfare, has been met with fierce rejection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), whose leaders have labelled the move as unlawful, deceptive, and orchestrated by self-serving politicians.

At a press conference in Abuja, Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, denounced the alliance, asserting that the party is not for sale.

“Nigerians are tired of your generation and reject everything you have to offer which is nothing,” he declared.

Kachikwu accused the party’s former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu, of misleading the coalition by presenting himself as the party’s leader despite the expiration of his tenure in August 2022. He emphasised that the coalition pact, entered into with Nwosu, has no legal basis.

The leadership of the newly formed alliance had announced the adoption of ADC as its platform, naming David Mark as interim national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as secretary.

Bolaji Abdullahi was presented as the spokesperson. But Kachikwu made it clear that these appointments were neither recognised nor ratified by the party’s structures.

He said, “They’re shopping for a party to realise their ambition. They’ve stripped other parties and that’s why they’re now trying ADC. Most members of the party are not even aware of these moves.”

Kachikwu further described the coalition’s members as “mostly geriatric” politicians who have held power for decades with little to show for their leadership.

He accused them of being driven by a “chopping must continue” mentality rather than genuine reform.

In his words, “We are a nation lacking in the basics whose majority are poor but here we are watching those who set our nation on fire saying they are the fire brigade.

No, you are not; you are a bunch of greedy and selfish old men who believe that political power is your birthright.”

He maintained that the ADC will only welcome alliances formed through proper channels and internal democratic procedures.

“If you seek to be a part of the ADC, do the proper thing and come through the front door,” Kachikwu stated.

Meanwhile, factional National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Musa Isa Matara, echoed similar sentiments in a separate statement.

He warned that the ADC was not a “private coalition platform” to be hijacked by political elites.

Matara revealed that the coalition decision was made without the knowledge or input of essential party stakeholders, including state executives, youth and women leaders, and ward coordinators.

“Be mindful that some few individuals are attempting to sell out the soul of our party for personal gain,” he cautioned.

He reiterated that the ADC is not for sale and criticised the alliance for lacking legal and grassroots legitimacy. “Any coalition attempt built on such shaky legal ground is irresponsible and potentially self-destructive,” he warned.

While acknowledging the value of strategic alliances, the ADC’s leadership insists that any such effort must respect the internal structures of the party and the legal processes that govern its operations.

Kachikwu made clear that legal actions may soon follow. “All options are on the table and in the next few days, you’ll see our actions and reactions on the issue at hand.”

The unfolding ADC coalition leadership crisis is the latest in a string of internal disputes within Nigeria’s fragmented political opposition, casting doubt on the feasibility of a unified front ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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As Kachikwu aptly concluded, “You stand for nothing other than your interests and will pay any price to hold political office. Nigerians yearn for new names, new faces, fresh ideas and progressive ideals.”