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  • 2027: Jonathan, David Mark disagree on ADC ticket

    2027: Jonathan, David Mark disagree on ADC ticket

    • Jonathan: assure me that I’ll be the candidate
    • Mark: Presidential ticket is open to all
    • Obi also wants assurance he’ll be picked
    • Atiku set to formally join party, declare ambition

    The closed door meeting between former President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, in Abuja on Thursday was all about Jonathan’s ambition to return to office as president in 2027, The Nation investigation has revealed.

    But the former president’s desire to secure the ticket of the coalition party may have experienced a hitch as Mark pointedly told him that the only way his dream of picking the party’s ticket could materialise was to formally join it and also take part in a fair and transparent presidential primary.

    With Jonathan failing to get a commitment from the party’s national chairman, the two statesmen agreed to “meet soon to review the matter.”

    The Nation investigation revealed that not only Jonathan but also former vice president Atiku Abubakar and former presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi all want a definite commitment from the party on their presidential aspiration, but the new party leadership is not forthcoming.

    The development is said to have accounted for their delay in pitching their tents with the ADC.

    The Nation findings revealed that any commitment the three presidential aspirants make to ADC could be “fatal” for their ambition if they fail to get the party’s ticket.

    They fear that committing themselves to the party without securing its presidential ticket could leave them “stranded or stuck politically”.

    Jonathan’s audience with Mark, a source said, could be an indication that the former president is “not keen on running on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because the main opposition party has become too toxic”.

    Insiders in ADC said the coalition is shaky because some leaders of the party are actually not ready for change in 2027.

    One of them said about 65 to 70 per cent of ADC is in the firm control of Atiku, adding that what they are offering Obi is to be running mate. “No leader in the party is bold enough to ask Atiku to concede the presidential slot to Obi or Jonathan,” the source said.

    It noted that Obi has been consistent in telling ADC leaders that power must remain in the South for eight years for the sake of equity, which is why he pledged to do one term if elected president.

    The source added: “The supporters of Obi and Jonathan are insistent that presidency must remain in the South in 2027. We don’t know which doctrine Mark will come up with.

    “As part of an unwritten deal, Obi has assured repeatedly that he won’t contest presidential primary election with Atiku or any election against Atiku in Adamawa State.

    “He also said he will be on the presidential election ballot in 2027. It means technically, they cannot be in the same party except Atiku sacrifices his ambition.

    “Obi has also said if he was Atiku’s vice presidential candidate in 2019, there is nothing bad if Atiku is magnanimous to allow him one term in 2027.”

    The source noted, however, that Obi has a major problem with his supporters who have asked him not to be deputy to any presidential aspirant. Hence he finds it difficult to go back to them to say he has changed his mind as doing so will be politically suicidal.

    Jonathan, the source said, fits the bill as a compromise candidate, but his strong base used to be the South-East which is now the political fortress of Obi.

    He said some Northern leaders want Jonathan to spend one term in the office (the only constitutional limit left for him), but there are two hurdles before him, namely getting the ticket a la carte (on a platter of gold) and securing the overwhelming backing of the North.

    “With Atiku’s control of ADC, it will be difficult for Jonathan to get ADC mandate.

    “Atiku has not formally joined ADC because he was said to be doing his homework. He does not want to be betrayed like the case in PDP.

    “He has invested a lot in ADC and presidential aspirants like ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi can turn the table.”

    Another source said: “It is not a bed of roses in ADC. The coalition is shaky.”

    Situation in Jonathan’s camp

    A highly-placed source, who was privy to what transpired between Mark and Jonathan, said the ADC National Chairman ruled out automatic ticket for any aspirant.

    Mark’s response was said to be “not too convincing” for Jonathan and his strategists.

    The source said: “His host was pleased to welcome him to his residence. He told him to join ADC if he wants to contest.

    “It was clear at the meeting that PDP is not a likely option because of the plethora of cases and infighting.

    “So far, the only option for Jonathan is to join ADC.

    Read Also: Jonathan: To run or not to run?

    “Mark was, however, quick to tell him that there will be fair and transparent primary election.”

    Asked of the meeting’s outcome, the source added: “They would meet in due course to review the matter.

    “I think the outcome of the ongoing consultations by Jonathan will determine whether he will contest or not.”

    Atiku to declare for ADC soon

    Responding to a formal enquiry from our correspondent, ex-VP Atiku Abubakar said he would not put the cart before the horse.

    He said it was taken for granted that he would join the ADC.

    He said he was preoccupied with building the party before joining in Jada Ward, Adamawa State.

    The spokesman for Atiku, Mr. Paul Ibe, made the position of the VP known to our correspondent in Abuja.

    He said: “Atiku Abubakar is a committed and active member of the coalition ADC.

    “Alongside other leaders, he has been vigorously working to plant structures and build a formidable platform that can liberate Nigerians from the urban bandits presently holding the country hostage.

    “The process is well underway and will culminate in him formally collecting his ADC membership card at his ward in Jada, Adamawa State.

    “Meanwhile, his focus remains on consolidating the party’s strength across the state.”

    On directive to party leaders and members to leave their paties, Ibe said: “Atiku fully supports the directive without reservation.”

    The ex-VP said he was not afraid of presidential primary election with other contestants.

    He added: “What matters to Atiku and other coalition leaders is building a strong and credible platform to serve Nigerians. They are not putting the cart before the horse.

    “His commitment is to safeguarding our democracy, which is under siege under Tinubu’s government.

    “Once this disastrous administration is gone, the salvation of the economy will take centre stage.

    “The former Vice President has said he will run and encourages others to join the contest.

    “But he is not putting the cart before the horse.

    “The distraction about who is running and who is not is a ploy of the Tinubu-led APC to divide the opposition.

    “We shall not be deceived, and we shall not fall for their tricks.”

    Obi weighing options, consolidating political leverage

    More than any leader in ADC, Obi is consolidating his grip on the South-East and reaching out to other ethnic groups.

    He is also ahead of others in the social media for mobilisation for 2027 which may or may not translate to huge votes for him.

    While he is still first rated among the Igbo, the low voters’ registration in his political enclave was a cause for worry.

    Investigation revealed that most ADC leaders see Obi as an asset for representing a bloc in the country, but they are trying to persuade him to accept the VP slot.

    A source said: “We believe he has the moral pedigree to lead Nigeria now than other aspirants in ADC.

    “His greatest headache in ADC is the offer of VP, which his supporters are opposed to.

    “When you look at the political matrix, he cannot go it alone as a presidential candidate.

    “Again, the party platform is not there except ADC, which he is cautious about.

    A WhatsApp message sent to Obi’s spokesperson Valentine Obienyem at 9.29am on Saturday was yet to be responded to at 6pm.

  • ADC: Obidient Movement raises zoning posers over membership ultimatum

    ADC: Obidient Movement raises zoning posers over membership ultimatum

    • Atiku focused on building base, to declare later – Spokesman

    The Obidient Movement has  raised zoning posers over membership ultimatum issued by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The leadership of the opposition coalition had  demanded that politicians identifying with the party should resign from their current political parties and  fully join the ADC.    

    Reacting to the demand, the National Coordinator, Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, in a post on his verified  X handle  yesterday said the former governor of Anambra state will not rush to join any party.

    He said: “Our attention has been drawn to the recent statement released by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) concerning the resolutions of the Coalition and our role within it.

    “We wish to restate our position clearly. While we remain fully committed to the vision of the Coalition and acknowledge the adoption of the ADC as the coalition platform, it is on record that His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi aligned with the coalition’s position after the Anambra State Governorship Election, extending to the 2027 General Elections.

    “This adoption and pronouncement were made publicly by the party. We are therefore concerned as to why the resolution is now being altered mid-way through the agreement.”

    Continuing, he said: “H.E. Peter Obi, as a leader with a broad constituency, has always taken time to consult widely before making major political decisions. He did so before joining the coalition, and he must also do so before responding to any ultimatum.

    “As the Obidient Movement, being part of the main consulting bloc, we are particularly concerned about how the party intends to zone its presidential ticket. Considering that the presidency is currently held by the South, issues of equity and fairness must guide such decisions if the party truly aims to secure victory in the 2027 elections.

    “We are equally interested in how the party zones its principal offices within the coalition, as this will ensure justice, fairness, and inclusivity — factors that will enable us to mobilize effectively across the country.

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    “It must be emphasized that H.E. Peter Obi is not desperate to be President of Nigeria. His ultimate mission is to see Nigeria work — to lift people out of poverty, to improve the economy, education, healthcare, and security. These were the reasons he joined the coalition in the first place targeted towards good governance which are the core values of the Obidient Movement.”

    Meanwhile the ADC has dismissed suggestions that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other political heavyweights are hesitant about formally declaring for the party.

    speaking with The Nation, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said such claims of hesitancy on the part of the party’s heavyweights are unfounded.

    He said, “Saying or thinking that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi, among other prominent members of our party are hesitant to formally declare for ADC is just an assumption, there is no hesitancy in their action, I can tell you that authoritatively.”

    He explained that the party had already granted special waivers to allow some leaders to complete political processes tied to their former parties.

    According to him, “I say this because if you remember, the party, before the last bye elections, gave el Rufai and Peter Obi the waiver to complete the process that had been set off in their parties that preceded our coalition and the ADC, so there is no ambiguity about that. The waiver allows them to complete the process.”

    On Atiku, Abdullahi emphasised that the matter was straightforward, saying, “of course, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has resigned his membership of PDP, so our latest directives have nothing to do with him.

    “It was the special consideration that was given to them (el Rufai and Obi), they asked for it and they were given. There is no indication that Vice President Atiku is thinking about anything, he has left the PDP now, so what is the situation that he is hesitant about?”

    He further explained the seeming delay in formal registration by the former PDP chieftain, noting, “If he has not formally registered for the ADC, it’s because, just like for many people, we are just about to start the formal membership registration formalities and it is not confined to those you mentioned, there were other people at different levels who are in the same situation.”

    When asked if the perceived delay could be linked to a strategy to see the outcome of the forthcoming off-season elections, Abdullahi rejected the idea.

    He said, “No, it’s not so much the outcome of the coming off-season election. Rather, it’s because of the peculiar situation in their parties, the Labour Party and Social Democratic Party (SDP) in this case.”

    He elaborated further, citing the context for the concessions, “for Obi and LP, they had candidates that had obtained nomination forms on the platform of the party, and he was given the concession to complete that process.

    “In the case of el Rufai and SDP, there are candidates that want to perform at the off-season elections, they started from the SDP. So, if they now join ADC, how are we going to change the nomination form? Being their leader, el Rufai has to see them through,” Abdullahi explained.

    The ADC spokesman maintained that the party remains united and focused, stressing that there is no ambiguity about the membership status or intentions of the leaders concerned.

    Corroborating Abdullahi’s assertion, former Vice President Abubakar said he is presently focused on building his new party’s base and a formal declaration for the ADC is bound to happen in due course,  his spokesman, Paul Ibe has said.

    Speaking with The Nation in Abuja, Ibe stated that even those who may feel opposed to Atiku’s 2027 presidential aspiration currently acknowledge his membership of the ADC.

     “You people already know that he is in ADC; when you report him, don’t you identify him as a chieftain of ADC in your reports?

     “There are serious mobilisation processes going on in Adamawa, Imo, Oyo, Zamfara and many other states.

    “The building up of ADC’s party base is ongoing, and the most important thing is that the process is going on very well.

     “At the appropriate time, His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will do what you people are expecting to see when he goes to collect his party’s membership card in Jada, Adamawa state,” Paul Iba said.

    Speaking further in response to a question on why Alhaji Atiku Abubakar appears hesitant to formally declare for the ADC, Ibe emphasised that his presence at the ADC’s public event in Abuja on Thursday is more than enough to dispel any uncertainty about where he belongs.

    He also asserted that other than ADC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is not contemplating moving to any other party or political platform.

     “Which platform is there? He is a progenitor, he started ADC.

    “He and all other leadership of ADC are very busy making effective mobilization towards building a very strong base for ADC because the overriding goal is to rescue and build up Nigeria’s democracy.

      “They all firmly believe that under the present administration, what we have is a dictatorship; what they are building is a platform that effectively mobilize Nigerians to shun All Progressives Congress which is already on the way out.

     “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is busy building a very strong platform that will deliver proper governance, not the kind of place where the policy of the state is to decimate institutions and emasculate the electoral body, judiciary and several others,” Paul Ibe said.

  • ADC rules out automatic presidential ticket for Atiku, others

    ADC rules out automatic presidential ticket for Atiku, others

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has thrown its presidential ticket open to all members keen on flying its flag in the 2027 general election.

    The party, which also formally abandoned its initial moves to register the African Democratic Alliance (ADA), explained that the ‘no automatic ticket’ decision was aimed at strengthening internal democracy and avoiding divisions ahead of the poll.

    The decision, according to a statement yesterday, was reached at a caucus meeting of the ADC  leaders in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    There have been insinuations that the camp of Atiku Abubakar, which left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for ADC, intended to restrict the jostling for the presidential ticket to aspirants from the North.

    There were also speculations that the group was planning to make Atiku the consensus presidential candidate.

    But party leaders, including the National Chairman, David Mark; Atiku, National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; former Governors   Nasir el-Rufai(Kaduna);    Aminu Tambuwal(Sokoto); and Chibuike Amaechi(Rivers), resolved that no aspirant should be excluded at the primary.

      Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who was absent, sent apologies and pledged his commitment to ongoing consultations and cooperation with the party.

     ADC’s  National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said in the statement that all aspirants in attendance agreed to support whoever emerges from the party primaries.

    He added   that the caucus also restated its earlier directive for members to resign from other political parties.

    Abdullahi gave no specific timeline for compliance, but he said that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party was mandated to announce dates for the off-cycle governorship election primaries in Osun and Ekiti states.   

     The statement by Abdullahi after the meeting, partly reads: ‘’The Coalition has rested everything concerning the ADA. That means, they are not interested in the registration or otherwise of the association.

    ‘’All the presidential aspirants have agreed to support whoever wins the primary election.

      ‘’Though a final order has been given to all members to resign membership of other political parties, the Caucus was silent on the timeline.

    ‘’ The NWC will announce dates for Osun and Èkìtì states  for election of candidates for the off-cycle governorship elections.’’

  • ADC faults INEC over Mark’s recognition

    ADC faults INEC over Mark’s recognition

    • Opposition platform heads to court

    The crisis rocking the coalition platform African Democratic Congress (ADC) appears unending.

    The Nafiu Bala Gombe-led fraction has threatened to sue the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what it called a “premature and biased” recognition of the David Mark-led faction of the party.

    The party frowned at the electoral umpire’s recognition, alleging that the commission was aware of the pending court case challenging the legitimacy of the Mark-led group and still accorded the group recognition.

    In a communiqué issued by the National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, after an emergency joint meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) at the weekend in Abuja and released last night, the party accused INEC of undermining its leadership structure and threatening the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.

    The party complained that INEC’s decision to upload the David Mark leadership on its official portal “raises significant questions about the commission’s neutrality and credibility”.

    Advising its members to remain calm and united, the ADC stressed that it would not allow its platform to be hijacked by “idle politicians” seeking refuge for their ambitions.

    The communiqué reads: “The ADC members convened in light of INEC’s hasty recognition and posting of the David Mark-led leadership of the party on its official portal, despite a pending legal proceeding that challenges the legitimacy of this leadership.

     “This act raises significant questions about the impartiality of INEC and its commitment to uphold the democratic principles enshrined in our constitution. The ADC vehemently condemns this premature action and demands an immediate rectification, asserting that we will not stand idly by as our party’s legitimacy is undermined.

    “INEC, as the custodian of our electoral integrity, is expected to maintain a neutral stance in all political matters. However, recent actions suggest an alarming departure from this expectation. By seemingly aligning itself with individuals who have previously destabilised their own political entities, INEC risks being perceived as biased.

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    “The ADC recognizes that these individuals, in their desperate quest for power, have resorted to manipulative tactics, seeking to exploit our party for personal gain. This behavior not only undermines the democratic process but also poses a significant threat to the stability of our nation.

    “The tactics employed by these opportunistic politicians are not new; they echo the divisive strategies witnessed during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

    “By exploiting regional sentiments and fostering discord, they have inflicted severe damage on Nigeria’s political landscape. The repercussions of their actions are profound, leading to a stagnation of progress that has set our nation back by decades.”

    According to the ADC, such divisions and opportunism have contributed to Nigeria’s current economic downturn, insecurity, and entrenched corruption, which continue to erode public trust in governance.

    The party confirmed it has filed a suit at the Federal High Court against INEC and those it described as “desperate politicians,” seeking to overturn the recognition and restore the party’s mandate.

    It also urged the electoral umpire to “exercise maturity and restraint” by awaiting the outcome of the case before making further pronouncements on the ADC leadership.

    The party also said it had instituted legal proceedings against INEC and certain individuals at the Federal High Court.

    It said: “This litigation aims to challenge the legitimacy of INEC’s recent maneuvers and seeks redress for the harm inflicted upon our party. We implore INEC to exercise maturity and restraint by awaiting the outcome of this pending court case before making any further announcements regarding party leadership on its official portal.

    “The ADC prioritizes peace and stability within its ranks and is committed to avoiding any actions that could lead to confusion or unrest among our members. We are a well-structured party, grounded in defined principles and values.

    “We will not serve as a refuge for idle politicians who seek to exploit our platform for personal ambitions. The integrity of the ADC is non-negotiable, and we will steadfastly protect our mandate.

    “To our esteemed members, we urge you to remain calm, united, and resolute in the face of these challenges. Together, we will safeguard our party’s integrity, and no external force will undermine our collective efforts. Our unity is our strength, and it is through our solidarity that we will overcome any obstacles that lie ahead.

    “In closing, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to every member of the African Democratic Congress. Your unwavering commitment and dedication to our cause have been invaluable in these trying times. Together, we will navigate the complexities of our political landscape and emerge stronger for it. May God’s blessings be upon you all as we continue this journey together.”

  • ADC faction faults INEC over David Mark’s recognition, heads to court

    ADC faction faults INEC over David Mark’s recognition, heads to court

    The crisis within the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has deepened, as the Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe-led faction has threatened legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over what it described as the commission’s “premature and biased” recognition of the David Mark-led group.

    The faction accused INEC of disregarding a pending court case challenging the legitimacy of the David Mark leadership and going ahead to accord it official recognition.

    In a communiqué issued after an emergency joint meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja, National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe condemned INEC’s action, alleging it undermines the party’s leadership structure and threatens Nigeria’s democratic foundation.

    The communiqué noted that INEC’s decision to upload the David Mark-led faction on its official portal “raises significant questions about the commission’s neutrality and credibility.”

    While urging members to remain calm and united, the faction vowed not to allow the ADC to be hijacked by what it described as “idle politicians” seeking refuge for their personal ambitions.

    “The ADC members convened in light of INEC’s hasty recognition and posting of the David Mark-led leadership of the party on its official portal, despite a pending legal proceeding that challenges the legitimacy of this leadership,” the statement read.

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    “This act raises significant questions about the impartiality of INEC and its commitment to uphold the democratic principles enshrined in our constitution. The ADC vehemently condemns this premature action and demands an immediate rectification, asserting that we will not stand idly by as our party’s legitimacy is undermined.

    “INEC, as the custodian of our electoral integrity, is expected to maintain a neutral stance in all political matters. However, recent actions suggest an alarming departure from this expectation. By seemingly aligning itself with individuals who have previously destabilized their own political entities, INEC risks being perceived as biased. 

    “The ADC recognizes that these individuals, in their desperate quest for power, have resorted to manipulative tactics, seeking to exploit our party for personal gain. This behavior not only undermines the democratic process but also poses a significant threat to the stability of our nation.

    “The tactics employed by these opportunistic politicians are not new; they echo the divisive strategies witnessed during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. 

    “By exploiting regional sentiments and fostering discord, they have inflicted severe damage on Nigeria’s political landscape. The repercussions of their actions are profound, leading to a stagnation of progress that has set our nation back by decades.”

    According to the ADC, such divisions and opportunism have contributed to Nigeria’s current economic downturn, insecurity, and entrenched corruption, which continue to erode public trust in governance.

    The party confirmed it has filed a suit at the Federal High Court against INEC and those it described as “desperate politicians,” seeking to overturn the recognition and restore the party’s mandate. 

    It also urged the electoral umpire to “exercise maturity and restraint” by awaiting the outcome of the case before making further pronouncements on the ADC leadership.

    The party also said it has instituted legal proceedings against INEC and certain individuals at the Federal High Court. 

    According to the party, “This litigation aims to challenge the legitimacy of INEC’s recent maneuvers and seeks redress for the harm inflicted upon our party. We implore INEC to exercise maturity and restraint by awaiting the outcome of this pending court case before making any further announcements regarding party leadership on its official portal.

    “The ADC prioritizes peace and stability within its ranks and is committed to avoiding any actions that could lead to confusion or unrest among our members. We are a well-structured party, grounded in defined principles and values. 

    “We will not serve as a refuge for idle politicians who seek to exploit our platform for personal ambitions. The integrity of the ADC is non-negotiable, and we will steadfastly protect our mandate.

    “To our esteemed members, we urge you to remain calm, united, and resolute in the face of these challenges. Together, we will safeguard our party’s integrity, and no external force will undermine our collective efforts. Our unity is our strength, and it is through our solidarity that we will overcome any obstacles that lie ahead.

    “In closing, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to every member of the African Democratic Congress. Your unwavering commitment and dedication to our cause have been invaluable in these trying times. Together, we will navigate the complexities of our political landscape and emerge stronger for it. May God’s blessings be upon you all as we continue this journey together.”

  • Tinubu delivered stability, peace in Rivers, Presidency tells ADC

    Tinubu delivered stability, peace in Rivers, Presidency tells ADC

    The Presidency has dismissed criticisms by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of the Rivers emergency rule, stressing that the President’s intervention delivered stability, restored democratic institutions, and returned peace to the state.

    In a post on his verified X handle, @SundayDareSD, Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, described the ADC’s allegations of autocracy, manipulation, and undermining federalism as “laughable” and an exercise in “nuisance politics.”

    Dare said the President acted constitutionally under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), invoking emergency powers to prevent bloodshed and restore governance at a time of grave threat to law and order in Rivers State.

    “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is clear: under Section 305, the President has the power — and the duty — to act when law and order are under grave threat.

    “What the President delivered is stability, the return of democratic institutions, and peace in Rivers State. Nigerians can see the difference: President Tinubu acted right. That is what posterity will remember him for,” Dare said. 

    He dismissed the ADC’s claims of federal manipulation, noting that officials in Rivers were not reduced to presidential appointees but rather protected from chaos until conditions allowed for their reinstatement.

    “To accuse the President of undermining federalism is laughable; as a former Governor, no Nigerian alive presently has fought harder for state autonomy than Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. 

    “What ADC offers Nigerians is late pontification and empty noise. What the President delivered is stability, peace, and order,” Dare said.

    The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu’s decision was neither whimsical nor partisan, but a constitutional necessity to protect the state and by extension, the federation.

  • ADC: Leading lights won’t leave over ADA’s INEC recognition, says spokesman

    ADC: Leading lights won’t leave over ADA’s INEC recognition, says spokesman

    The political heavyweights in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not desert the coalition platform, the party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, has said.

    Abdulahi was reacting to the shortlisting of the Advanced Democratic Alliance (ADA) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the likelihood of ADC members joining the pre-qualified party.

    The Nation reports that INEC, on its website, recently announced the pre-qualification of 14 out of 171 associations seeking registration as political parties, including the ADA, after meeting the initial requirements set by the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the commission’s guidelines.

    Several ranking members of the ADC, including its former presidential candidates from established political parties, had initially pushed for the registration of ADA as a political party before abandoning the plan in favour of the ADC.

    But in a telephone chat with The Nation yesterday, Abdullahi said the ADA was only conceived as a means to an end at that point, stressing that the coalition, which merged with the ADC, would not renege on its decision.

    “In ADC, we are focused on ADC. It was part of our process, but we have moved beyond that now,” he said.

    The process that produced the current NEC of the party is being challenged by a former presidential candidate of the party, Dumebi Kachikwu, and former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala, who has declared himself the authentic interim National Chairman.

    Abdullahi also commented on the legal disputes involving the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) and some of its members, insisting that the party remained unshaken and regarded the cases as inconsequential.

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    “We are prepared for it. So, our lawyers have to deal with it. It’s not going to change or undermine the party. We are focused on building our party across the country. So, it’s not going to be a distraction to us.

    “If there are legal issues, our legal people will deal with them. So, it’s not an issue for us,” he said.

    The ADC spokesman explained that the party’s NEC was deliberately taking its time on the structure recognised by INEC as the national secretariat.

    According to him, the coalition platform does not want to be stampeded into taking over the building until all options have been carefully considered.

    “The secretariat is a building, and we don’t have to use that particular building. That does not mean the party is not functioning.

    “When we have another secretariat, where everybody can come, everybody will know. But we are not using that particular office yet,” he said.

  • Group alleges plot to forcefully hijack ADC in Kogi

    Group alleges plot to forcefully hijack ADC in Kogi

    • Says move poses threat to peace and security

    A group under the aegis of Concerned Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over an alleged plot by “powerful individuals” to forcefully hijack the leadership of the party in Kogi State.

    Speaking at a press conference in Kabba, the group’s spokesperson, Usman Lukman, described the move as unconstitutional and warned that it would be resisted with every legal and constitutional means available.

    “Credible intelligence available to us indicates that certain individuals, unknown to our structures and alien to our operations, are plotting to forcefully take over the leadership of the ADC in Kogi State,” Lukman said.

    He stressed that while the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of association, no individual or group has the right to topple the party’s leadership through unlawful means.

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    “The ADC is governed by its constitution, values, and democratic ethos. Those who recklessly destroyed the PDP cannot be allowed to invade our party and subject it to the same fate. The ADC in Kogi was built painstakingly from the grassroots and nurtured with sacrifice, loyalty, and discipline. Any attempt to hijack it through unconstitutional means will be firmly resisted,” he added.

    The group reaffirmed its loyalty to Rt. Hon. Elder Leke Abejide, whom it described as the undisputed leader of the ADC in Kogi State. It dismissed those allegedly plotting to destabilize the party as “political opportunists and strange bedfellows” with no stake in the party’s growth.

    Calling on security agencies to urgently intervene, the group said the alleged plot poses a serious threat to peace and stability in the state.

    “Our democracy thrives on order, respect for process, and adherence to the rule of law, not on desperate power grabs by faceless interlopers. Thousands of our members across the state are already agitated and determined to resist any attempt by frustrated political wanderers to destabilise our party,” the statement warned.

    The group further advised security agencies not to recognize or provide security cover for any ADC meetings, gatherings, or activities not sanctioned by Elder Abejide or the constitutionally recognized State Chairman of the party.

    “Any such gathering by faceless impostors is illegal, illegitimate, and a calculated attempt to breach the peace and security of Kogi State,” the group insisted.

  • ADC has stabilised, says spokesman

    ADC has stabilised, says spokesman

    The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has declared that the party has entered a new phase of stability following recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Speaking at a media interactive session on Friday in Abuja, Abdullahi said the ADC has now overcome hurdles around issuing membership cards, describing it as a breakthrough for members nationwide.

    “Like thousands of other members of the ADC across the country, we have crossed a major hurdle,” he said. “Now, Sen. David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf can legitimately sign membership cards, and we can issue those membership cards. So you can now see people returning to their respective wards and registering.”

    He underscored the ADC’s grassroots strength, noting that attendance at a ward meeting in Kwara far exceeded what he had ever witnessed in other parties.

    Abdullahi dismissed attempts to measure the party’s strength through recent by-elections, noting that they occurred only weeks after the coalition joined the ADC.

    “For us, we repeatedly maintain we don’t want to be judged by the outcome of the by-election. Let our opponent, let the ruling party continue to think that the by-election is a measure of where we are. They will be shocked,” he said.

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    The ADC spokesman also pushed back against criticism from Dr. Dumebi Kachikwu, a former presidential candidate, who recently described the party’s new leadership as a gathering of retired politicians.

    Abdullahi rejected the remarks, calling them divisive and inflammatory, explaining, “Number one, he has no business in this conversation. He’s not even a member of the African Democratic Congress. That is very clear.

    “Secondly, a one-time presidential candidate or any candidate of a party does not own the party, does not have a say in the direction the party goes. You were given the ticket of the party to run for a particular election.

    “That does not make you a permanent candidate of the party and does not allocate to you the power of the leadership of the party, not of the NWC, not of the NEC of the party. So you wonder what the basis is for what this individual is doing.”

    On the tendency to dismiss leaders as old or recycled, Abdullahi argued that such rhetoric is discriminatory and unrealistic, saying, “When you begin to castigate people on the account of their age, when does it become a crime to be an older person?

    “These are things that people get arrested for in civilised societies, to profile people in a way that shows that you are excluding them for one reason or the other from their democratic rights.

    “So you keep saying old people, old people. Is it a crime to be an older person?”

    He further challenged the negative label of recycled politicians. “Who is in a position in this country who is not recycled? Mention one politician in this country who has not been to one party or the other, or has not held one position or the other.

    “Are we going to manufacture a new political class overnight? It’s the same recycled people who do politics in Nigeria. And we’re not going to bring foreigners to play politics in Nigeria.”

    Abdullahi said Kachikwu’s tone was wrong, divisive, inflammatory, and it should be condemned, particularly from someone who once aspired to lead the country.

    On reconciliation, he noted that the ADC remains open to dialogue but will not allow disgruntled members or external forces to destabilise the party, stressing, “We’ll be happy to talk to anyone willing to talk. We have people, even those within the leadership, the rank of the leadership that voluntarily resigned their position. 

    “We had people who had expressed one grievance or another. We have managed to recognise some grievances, legitimate grievances, and we have dealt with them.

    “But when people are just being belligerent, to the extent that you have no reason to doubt that they had an ulterior motive, which is to destabilise the party and create a condition that makes it difficult for the party to move forward, then we can’t continue to appease those kinds of people.”

    He further suggested that some disputes may be encouraged or financed by external actors, “The person that went to court, with due respect, I’m very confident that I know him, I’m very confident that he doesn’t have the resources to push this.

    “So who is funding it? Who is encouraging it? So if they are willing to talk, we are willing to talk to them. But if what they want is to continue to do these things that they are doing, we’ll move on and we’ll be willing to match them for whatever it is worth,” he added.

  • ADC: Court to hear suit against Mark, Aregbesola, others Monday

    ADC: Court to hear suit against Mark, Aregbesola, others Monday

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed a hearing for Monday in a suit challenging, among others, the legitimacy of the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Justice Emeka Nwite chose the date in a ruling on September 4 in which he refused to grant an ex parte motion filed by Nafiu-Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of ADC, and moved by his lawyer, Michael Agber.

    Justice Nwite ordered Gombe to serve the motion on the respondents – Mark and others – to enable show cause why the motion should not be granted.

    The suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 has the ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Chief Ralph Nwosu as defendants.

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    In the motion filed on September 2, Gombe is seeking three principal reliefs.

    He wanted an order of interim injunction restraining the 4th defendant (INEC) from recognising the 2nd (Mark) and 3rd (Aregbesola) defendants as the national chairman and national secretary of the first defendant (ADC) pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

    Gombe is also seeking an order of interim injunction restraining the 2nd and 3rd defendants and their cohorts from parading themselves as National Chairman and National Secretary of the 1st defendant, pending hearing in the motion on notice already filed and served in this matter.

    He equally wanted an order restraining the 4th defendant/ respondent from recognising and or dealing with the 2nd and 3rd defendants.