By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Dumebi Kachikwu, has accused a group of self-serving politicians—backed by external interests—of attempting to hijack the party for personal and political gain.
In a strongly worded statement titled “This Is Not the ADC Way,” Kachikwu warned that the orchestrated takeover attempt was an affront to the founding ideals of the ADC and part of a broader struggle by Nigeria’s old political elite to retain control of national politics.
According to him, the alleged group, described as a “political gang,” has been offering financial inducements of up to N20 million to state chairmen of the party in a desperate bid to unseat the current leadership and assert dominance ahead of the 2027 elections.
“There is a clear difference between a political coalition and a political gang. The former pursues noble ideals; the latter seeks power solely for selfish purposes,” Kachikwu said.
The ADC standard-bearer in the 2023 general election dismissed rumours circulating within political circles that he had taken up a role as a spokesperson for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that it would be “an honour to speak for the president of the largest black nation on earth,” Kachikwu said the claim was politically motivated and false.
“Political jobbers who have no visible means of livelihood are always eager to tar others, but I remain unfazed,” he stated.
Kachikwu’s comments come amid increasing reports of factionalism within the ADC, with some groups claiming to have taken control of the party and organising what he described as “stage-managed events” to welcome defectors from other political parties.
He also took a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alleging that he is behind the power play within the ADC as part of his long-standing ambition to return to Aso Rock.
He said, “Atiku has a history of sabotaging leaders he sees as obstacles.
“He almost blocked Obasanjo’s second term, undermined President Goodluck Jonathan, and claimed the PDP ticket after Buhari’s eight years. All these are because of his belief that the presidency is his birthright,” Kachikwu alleged.
He further claimed that Atiku was now misleading the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, into thinking he can deliver the North in future elections, projecting himself as a political kingmaker.
Kachikwu challenged the former Vice President to prove his commitment to national unity and equity by publicly supporting the rotation of power to the South.
“If Atiku truly wants a better Nigeria, let him declare that the presidency should remain in the South for another six years and support any southern candidate of his choice,” he challenged.
Reiterating the party’s foundational values, Kachikwu said the ADC remains committed to political inclusiveness, innovation, and reform, not to serving as a refuge for recycled politicians.
“The ADC is not for sale and is not an old people’s home,” he declared. “We are a party that believes Nigeria needs fresh faces, fresh ideals, and fresh ideas.”
He condemned what he described as elitist attitudes within some factions of the party, which suggest that only officials can determine party matters, saying such thinking runs contrary to the ADC’s grassroots philosophy.
“In the ADC, every member matters, no matter how poor the political class has made them. That is what makes us different,” Kachikwu stated.
