ADC Faction Led by Kachikwu Announces National Convention Amid Crisis
A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by its 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, has announced plans to convene a national convention and establish an interim leadership to manage the party's affairs. This move comes amid an ongoing internal crisis that has plagued the party for nearly two years.
Emergency Meeting and Leadership Void
The announcement was made in Abuja by spokesperson Norman Obinna following what the group described as an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The meeting was attended by state chairmen and other members to address the leadership crisis within the party. Obinna noted that a prior Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) agreement had mandated the party to hold a national convention to elect new leadership, a process he said has not been implemented since then.
He accused the former leadership under Ralph Nwosu of attempting to transfer control of the party to individuals who were not members, while also trying to sideline state chairmen. The faction has filed two court cases challenging these actions, even before the recent stance taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Citing the absence of a National Working Committee since August 2022, the group maintained that the NEC remains the highest legitimate authority within the party.
Disassociation from Rival Coalition
As part of its resolutions, the faction announced its disassociation from a rival coalition involving figures such as David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Bolaji Abdullahi. The group stated that actions taken by this coalition are not binding on the ADC. It also rejected claims by Nafiu Bala Gombe to any leadership role, asserting that he has never held the position of deputy national chairman.
Obinna described the ADC as a platform for all Nigerians, accusing the rival coalition of attempting a "power grab" driven by elite interests. He reaffirmed Kachikwu's standing as a committed member of the party. The faction further urged diplomatic missions in Nigeria not to recognize the rival coalition as representatives of the ADC.
Interim Leadership and Legal Disputes
The faction announced the formation of an interim leadership to oversee the party's day-to-day operations pending the election of a new National Working Committee at the proposed convention. It called on INEC to recognize and support this arrangement. The crisis has been compounded by legal disputes, including a suit filed by Nafiu Gombe at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the legality of the leadership under Mark and Aregbesola, and alleging that a resignation letter by Nwosu was forged.
On April 1, INEC removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its portal, citing a court order to maintain the status quo. This move has hindered the party's ability to prepare for the 2027 elections, according to party sources.
Background and Future Prospects
The ADC was adopted as a coalition platform in July 2025 and is positioning itself to challenge Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. Notable political figures such as Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rabiu Kwankwaso have been associated with the coalition. The ongoing crisis and legal battles could impact the party's cohesion and electoral strategy as it gears up for the upcoming polls.
