Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has publicly dismissed attempts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his allies to dominate the party’s leadership, declaring the move a calculated and undemocratic takeover.
Speaking in Abuja, Kachikwu characterized the recent appointment of former Senate President David Mark as interim ADC chairman as an absurd “political dramedy,” orchestrated by insiders with ties to the party’s defunct leadership. He noted that the tenure of Ralph Nwosu’s administration expired two years ago, casting doubt on the legitimacy of any following appointments.
Kachikwu further accused the group of using forged documents and misleading court actions to consolidate control of the ADC across various states. He denounced the attempt as a scheme tailored to advance Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambition under the guise of a broad coalition. By contrast, Kachikwu insisted that the ADC is for fresh leadership and progressive ideas—not a launchpad for outdated politicians.
Amid the power struggle, Kachikwu reaffirmed his commitment to contesting the party’s 2027 presidential primary, asserting that neither coercion nor manipulation would sideline him. He dismissed claims of his expulsion from the party as baseless, declaring himself a valid member and viable contender for the ADC ticket.
In a press briefing, Kachikwu posed a stark challenge to Atiku and his partners: if truly committed to fairness and unity in Nigeria, they should publicly support a southern presidential candidate for 2027. He reaffirmed the ADC’s stance that the party is not for sale, and emphasized that any change in leadership must follow constitutional processes—not backdoor deals.