TENSIONS are rising within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as several state chairmen of the party have openly rejected the recent dissolution of party structures in favor of a new coalition effort spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, News Point Nigeria reports.
The coalition, which aims to mount a formidable challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s expected bid for a second term in 2027, is already facing strong resistance from grassroots leaders within the ADC.
The controversy was triggered by the dramatic announcement by former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, who declared the collapse of all existing party structures, citing the need for fresh leadership to steer the coalition forward. Nwosu’s resignation, along with the purported exit of all national executives, paved the way for a new interim leadership team that includes former Senate President David Mark as Interim National Chairman, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as Interim National Secretary, and ex-Minister of Sports Bolaji Abdullahi as Interim National Publicity Secretary.
This abrupt leadership overhaul, however, has not gone down well with many of the ADC’s existing leaders and members.
Benue State ADC Chairman Elias Adikwu described the development as an affront to the democratic values the party upholds.
“We are not part of it, and we will not take it,” Adikwu told reporters. “They cannot come to a party they didn’t register with and take it over from those who built it. If they want to lead, there is a procedure involve all stakeholders, hold consultations, follow the constitution.”
He questioned the legitimacy of the so-called interim leadership, pointing out that the ADC constitution makes no provision for such an arrangement. According to Adikwu, the state chairmen as serving members of the National Executive Committee are the only legal custodians of the party’s authority at this time.
He further expressed concern over a newly launched registration drive under the Mark-led exco. “Why are they asking for fresh registration? What happened to our existing party registers at the ward and LGA levels?”
The party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, didn’t mince words either, branding Atiku and his coalition associates as “a bunch of greedy old men.” Kachikwu, who has positioned himself as a reformist voice within the party, has yet to unveil an official plan of action but is reportedly consulting with allies nationwide.
In Akwa Ibom, state chairman Etimbuk Umoh said they were awaiting direction from Kachikwu before taking further steps.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Khala, chairman in Borno State, struck a more secretive tone. “We are keeping our plans close to our chest,” he said in a phone interview.
The ADC Continental Youth Council, through its National Publicity Secretary Musa Matara, voiced deep frustrations over the way the transition was handled.
“Yes, we welcome new faces, ADC is for all Nigerians but where was the consultation?” Matara asked. “This wasn’t democratic. Even I heard about the adoption of our party for the coalition through friends from other political parties. That’s how disconnected the process was.”
He decried the sidelining of youth voices and accused the new leadership of recycling old political figures from the PDP and APC, undermining the values of a party built by a new generation.
“Most ADC members are youths. Now you bring back recycled men who’ve been part of Nigeria’s problems. Where is the change in that?” he queried.
Matara also challenged the ethnic and political composition of the new executive: “The chairman is from PDP, the secretary from APC, the publicity secretary also from PDP. What happened to ADC’s identity? This isn’t a merger, it’s a takeover.”
Despite the backlash, some figures welcomed the coalition. Mabel Oboh, the immediate past National Publicity Secretary, stated that the coalition’s mission is to provide a formidable alternative to the ruling APC and bring about a shift in Nigeria’s political direction.
“These are people with proven political records. Together, they can reshape Nigeria’s political landscape in 2027,” Oboh said in a statement from Benin City.
Backing the move, former Minister of Transportation Senator Idris Umar led a high-profile delegation from Gombe State to Atiku’s residence in Abuja, expressing their unwavering support for the coalition. “Our people are solidly behind you,” he said, addressing Atiku. “We trust in your leadership and your ability to unify the country.”
Other members of the delegation included AVM Fura (retd), former Deputy Governor John Yoriyo, and Danjuma Babba, among others.
While the internal dispute simmers, the ADC has begun building its grassroots coalition infrastructure, with recent efforts in Sokoto State. As part of this initiative, Mainasara Umar was appointed state coordinator for the coalition movement in the region.
According to a letter signed by National Coordinator Mohammed Shuaibu, Umar’s appointment is part of a broader drive to “educate citizens on the coalition’s objectives” without endorsing any specific candidate — a move many see as strategic positioning for the 2027 elections.
In his acceptance speech, Umar said the coalition represents a “coalition of conscience,” focused on righting past wrongs and promoting inclusive leadership.
With over 10 million registered members nationwide, the ADC now faces a defining crossroads. Can it balance its original grassroots-driven structure with the ambitions of of these big politicians now seeking to lead it into the 2027 general elections? Or will internal divisions unravel the party before the contest begins?
For now, one thing is clear: the future of the ADC and its role in shaping Nigeria’s next political chapter hangs in the balance.