A faction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Dumebi Kachikwu, the party's presidential candidate in 2023, has announced plans to organise a national convention. The group also intends to form an interim leadership to manage the party's affairs during its current internal conflict.
This announcement was made in Abuja by Norman Obinna, the spokesperson for the faction, following an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The meeting reportedly included state chairmen and other party members.
Obinna stated that the NEC meeting was called to address the leadership dispute. He highlighted that nearly two years ago, an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) agreement stipulated that the party should hold a national convention to elect new leaders, a directive that he claims has not been followed.
The faction accused the former leadership, under Ralph Nwosu, of attempting to hand over control of the party to individuals who are not registered members, while also allegedly trying to marginalise state chairmen.
According to the group, two court cases have already been filed to challenge these actions, predating a recent intervention by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Citing the absence of a National Working Committee since August 2022, the faction asserted that the NEC remains the supreme legitimate authority within the ADC.
Among its resolutions, the faction announced its dissociation from a rival coalition involving prominent figures such as David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Bolaji Abdullahi. They clarified that any actions taken by this coalition would not be binding on the ADC. Furthermore, the group rejected any leadership claims by Nafiu Bala Gombe, insisting he has never held the position of deputy national chairman.
Obinna characterised the ADC as a platform for all Nigerians and accused the opposing coalition of orchestrating a "power grab" driven by elite agendas. He reaffirmed Kachikwu's commitment to the party and urged diplomatic missions in Nigeria not to recognise the rival coalition as the legitimate representatives of the ADC.
The faction also announced the establishment of an interim leadership body. This interim committee will manage the party's daily operations until a new National Working Committee is elected at the planned convention. They have called on INEC to acknowledge and support this interim arrangement.
The party's crisis is further complicated by ongoing legal challenges. Nafiu Gombe has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, contesting the legality of the leadership under Mark and Aregbesola, and alleging that Nwosu's resignation letter was a forgery.
On April 1, INEC removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its records, citing a court order to maintain the status quo. The party contends that this action has impeded its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The ADC has been positioned as a coalition platform intended to challenge President 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 this coalition initiative.
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