Dalung Backs ADC Executive, Says There’re People of Proven Character

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has expressed strong support for the new leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the party’s current direction is being steered by men of “proven character” as it positions itself at the forefront of an emerging opposition coalition.

Dalung, who served in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, made the remarks on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics.

The former minister specifically defended the appointment of former Senate President David Mark as the interim National Chairman of the ADC. He pointedly drew a distinction between Mark and some leaders of other political parties who, according to him, have been caught in corruption scandals.

“There is no video clip of David Mark stuffing dollars into his pocket,” Dalung stated, in what appeared to be a veiled jab at rival party figures. “We must begin to value credibility and integrity in political leadership.”

Dalung also dismissed allegations that the opposition coalition had hijacked the ADC. The accusation was made earlier by Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, who claimed that the ADC was being taken over by external forces.

However, Dalung countered that claim, insisting that the party’s leadership transition was legitimate and transparent.

“Former Chairman Ralph Nwosu formally handed over to David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, who now serve as the interim National Chairman and Secretary of the party respectively,” he explained.

The ADC has recently become the focus of renewed attention following its adoption by a coalition of opposition parties seeking to mount a unified challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. The coalition reportedly includes aggrieved politicians from both the PDP and APC.

With political realignments gaining momentum ahead of 2027, Dalung’s endorsement signals growing acceptance of the ADC’s revamped leadership among influential political figures. However, internal disputes such as Kachikwu’s rejection of the new direction suggest that the party may still face hurdles in presenting a united front.