Kachikwu Sounds Alarm Over Attempted Takeover of ADC by Veteran Politicians

Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has issued a stern warning against what he described as an orchestrated effort by senior opposition politicians to seize control of the party ahead of the 2027 elections. At a press briefing in Abuja, Kachikwu expressed deep concern over attempts by seasoned politicians, some of whom he says “destroyed their parties,” to infiltrate the ADC and use it as a vehicle for their personal political ambitions. He emphasized that such actions threaten the ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen the party. “We cannot allow people who have destroyed their parties to come and destroy this party that we are working to rebuild,” Kachikwu said, stressing that the ADC must remain a platform for young leaders and innovative ideas, rather than a refuge for political veterans seeking a second chance. Allegations of Forgery and Unlawful Influence Kachikwu accused members of a coalition, reportedly including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other prominent political figures, of deploying underhanded tactics to take over the ADC. According to him, forged documents purporting to show support from state party executives have already been submitted in court, while inducements were allegedly offered to manipulate internal party processes. He particularly criticized a faction led by former Senate President David Mark, which claims to be the interim leadership of the ADC. Kachikwu argued that the group’s claim is illegitimate since the tenure of the party’s previous national executives has expired. “Their so-called leadership has no constitutional or judicial backing. This is an attempt to mislead the public and manipulate the party’s structure,” he said. Legal Battles Intensify The leadership dispute has already escalated into the courts, with multiple petitions filed by both factions. Kachikwu confirmed that his lawyers have approached law enforcement agencies regarding the alleged forgeries and other irregularities. He insisted that only the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can determine the party’s rightful leadership. Meanwhile, the Mark-led group insists that their actions are lawful and that adopting the ADC as a platform for a broader opposition coalition is meant to strengthen political unity. They have denied all allegations of forgery and illegitimacy. ADC’s Future Hangs in the Balance Political analysts note that the crisis highlights the vulnerability of smaller parties in Nigeria, which often become battlegrounds for larger political interests. For the ADC, which has struggled to establish a strong national footprint since its formation, the leadership tussle could either raise its profile or deepen internal divisions. Kachikwu, however, remains resolute. He reiterated his commitment to defending the party’s identity and ensuring that it continues to serve as a platform for reform-minded Nigerians. He said his faction would pursue all available legal avenues to prevent what he termed a “hijacking” of the party. Court proceedings are ongoing, and INEC is closely monitoring developments as the ADC leadership crisis unfolds, a situation that could shape the party’s role in the 2027 general elections.