A fresh twist has emerged in the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as a faction led by Dumebi Kachikwu unveiled plans to convene a national convention aimed at restructuring the party’s leadership.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the faction’s spokesperson, Norman Obinna, following what he described as an emergency meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
Push for New Leadership
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Obinna said the planned convention would pave the way for the emergence of a new leadership structure, including the formation of an interim management team to oversee party affairs.
He noted that the move was necessary to resolve lingering internal disputes that have plagued the party for nearly two years.
According to him, the NEC meeting was attended by several state chairmen and key stakeholders, with deliberations focused on restoring order and legitimacy within the party.
ADR Agreement Yet to Be Implemented
Obinna revealed that earlier efforts to resolve the crisis through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) had produced a binding agreement for the party to hold a national convention. However, he lamented that the agreement has not been implemented.
“The key outcome of the ADR, which was signed by both parties, was that the ADC would inevitably go into a convention to produce a new leadership. This has not been done for almost two years,” he stated.
The delay, he said, has further deepened divisions and weakened the party’s internal cohesion ahead of future electoral engagements.
Allegations Against Former Leadership
The faction also accused the former national leadership under Ralph Nwosu of attempting to unlawfully transfer control of the party to individuals who were not registered members.
Obinna alleged that such actions were aimed at sidelining legitimate party structures, including state chairmen, thereby undermining internal democracy.
Legal Battles and INEC Involvement
To challenge these developments, the group disclosed that it has already filed two separate court cases contesting the legality of the alleged actions, even before the recent stance taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The faction maintained that in the absence of a duly constituted National Working Committee (NWC) since August 2022, the NEC remains the highest decision-making body within the party.
Disassociation from Rival Coalition
In a significant political move, the Kachikwu-led group announced its disassociation from a rival coalition allegedly operating under the ADC platform.
Obinna specifically named prominent figures including David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Bolaji Abdullahi, stating that their actions are not recognized by the faction.
“We dissociate the ADC from David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Bolaji Abdullahi and all members of the so-called coalition. All actions taken by them in the name of the ADC are not binding on the party,” he declared.
Implications for the Party
Political analysts say the latest development underscores the deepening factional divide within the ADC, raising concerns about the party’s unity and preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With parallel claims to legitimacy and ongoing legal battles, the outcome of the proposed national convention could play a decisive role in determining the future direction of the party.
Observers have also noted that how the crisis is resolved may influence the party’s credibility among voters and its ability to position itself as a viable alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.