ADC Under Fire as ₦100 Million Allegation Ignites Protest and Deepens FCT Crisis
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is grappling with escalating internal turmoil following a high-profile protest at its national secretariat in Abuja. A women's advocacy group, led by Amaka Christian of Advocates for Women in Governance, staged a demonstration on Thursday, demanding clarity on a contentious ₦100 million claim associated with the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) election. This protest has plunged the party into a deeper crisis, intensifying scrutiny over its transparency, disciplinary measures, and leadership integrity.
Protesters Demand Accountability and Truth
The protesters, brandishing placards with messages calling for accountability and condemning alleged intimidation of female politicians, insisted that the ADC must publicly address allegations that its national leadership disbursed ₦100 million to Senator Ireti Kingibe to oversee the FCT election process. "We are here for the truth," the group declared. "This allegation has caused serious concern across the FCT. Nigerians deserve to know if such funds were approved and disbursed." They warned against what they described as "dangerous silence" from the party's top leadership, urging swift action to resolve the matter.
Background of Internal Disputes and Suspension Saga
The protest comes amid a series of internal conflicts that have destabilized the ADC's FCT structure. Just days earlier, stakeholders announced the suspension of four officials, including FCT Chairman Clement Obah Ehigiator, following fallout from a controversial move by a ward chapter to suspend Senator Kingibe over alleged anti-party activities. The Wuse Ward leadership had claimed the senator was indefinitely suspended after a March 10 stakeholders' meeting. However, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party's National Publicity Secretary, quickly dismissed this as "false and misleading," stating that no such decision was recognized at the national level.
Party Leaders Urge Unity Amid Rising Tensions
In response to the growing unrest, ADC leaders have called for calm and unity. Assistant National Youth Leader (North Central), Hasana Shaibu Dada, urged members to avoid actions that could fracture the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. "This is not the time for internal accusations," he said. "We must stay focused on strengthening the party. The National Chairman will address the issue, but unity is critical." He also defended Senator Kingibe, describing her as a loyal and valuable member. Similarly, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Queen Okeye, cautioned against politicizing the issue in a way that could divide women within the party. "Senator Ireti has consistently championed women's inclusion. It is unfair to weaponize unverified claims against her," she said, assuring that the party would provide clarity.
Mounting Pressure and Future Implications
Despite these reassurances, the absence of a definitive response from the ADC's top leadership continues to fuel speculation and unease. As political realignments gain momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, this controversy highlights a broader challenge for the ADC: balancing internal cohesion with increasing public demands for accountability. The spotlight remains firmly on the party's leadership, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting answers that could either defuse the crisis or exacerbate it further, potentially impacting the party's stability and electoral prospects.
