The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is now embroiled in a leadership tussle following the announcement by a coalition group, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, that it would adopt the ADC as its platform for the 2027 general elections. The coalition made the declaration during a high-stakes meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, unveiling former Senate President David Mark as the party’s interim national chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim national secretary.
However, the move has been met with sharp resistance from the current leadership of the ADC. In a fiery statement that has since gone viral, Dumebi Kachikwu, former Presidential Candidate of the party and a prominent figure in the party, dismissed the coalition’s claims and described the development as both “amusing” and “insulting.” He accused the Atiku-led group of aligning with a defunct faction of the party led by Ralph Nwosu, whose tenure, according to Kachikwu, expired in August 2022.
Kachikwu questioned the legitimacy of the takeover, likening the move to an illegal home invasion. “Can you shave a man’s hair in his absence? Can you enter a man’s house through the back door and declare yourself landlord?” he asked rhetorically.
He criticized the coalition as being made up of “yesterday’s men,” saying they represent a failed political generation responsible for Nigeria’s current challenges. Kachikwu did not mince words, asserting that the individuals pushing for the takeover are “greedy and selfish old men” who have clung to power for decades and have nothing new to offer Nigerians.
“This is a desperate attempt by a political class that has failed the people time and again. These are the same actors who divided Nigeria along ethnic and religious lines, presided over corruption, and left millions in poverty,” he stated. “Now, they claim to be on a rescue mission? Nigerians are not buying it.”
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The statement further fueled public discourse on social media, where hashtags like #ADC and #NewNigeria has begun trending as users debate the legitimacy of the coalition’s move and the future of political opposition in Nigeria.
Kachikwu emphasized that the ADC remains committed to being a progressive platform for change, inclusion, and national development. He called on the coalition to formally join the party through “the front door” if they truly believed in the ADC’s values and vision.
“We are a party of structure and discipline. Our opposition is constructive; we do not only criticize, we propose solutions,” he said. “If they wish to join us, they must respect due process.”
The fiery rebuttal from Kachikwu comes at a time when Nigerians are increasingly vocal about their desire for a generational shift in leadership. As public trust in legacy politicians wanes, the ADC appears keen to position itself as a credible alternative built on meritocracy, inclusivity, and visionary governance.
