By Rafiyat Sadiq
The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other political figures over the adoption of the ADC as the platform for the recently unveiled National Opposition Coalition.
Kachikwu, in a statement on Wednesday cited by Pinnacle Daily, said he was surprised that the coalition went into alliance with Ralph Nwosu, who he alleged is no longer the national chairman of the party.
The opposition coalition, led by Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), unveiled the ADC on Wednesday in Abuja as its chosen platform for the 2027 general election.
Members of the group include former governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), and Sule Lamido (Jigawa).
The coalition also announced the appointment of former Senate President David Mark as the interim national chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim secretary.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi: ADC Adoption Was a Tough But Necessary Decision
Nwosu’s Tenure Ended in 2022.
Responding to the coalition’s announcement, Kachikwu said the leadership tenure of Ralph Nwosu expired on August 21, 2022. He added that Nwosu’s continued claim to the chairmanship has been challenged in several courts.
“The tenure of the Nwosu-led executive lapsed on August 21, 2022, and his continued parade of himself as the chairman of the party was the subject of various litigations in different courts across the country,” he said.
Join ADC the Right Way.
Kachikwu advised members of the coalition to follow proper procedures if they wish to join the party.
He condemned the attempted takeover as illegitimate and likened it to an unlawful intrusion, calling the actors “yesterday’s men” who have failed Nigeria in the past.
He argued that these political figures—comprising former vice presidents, governors, ministers, and career politicians—are responsible for the country’s persistent underdevelopment and disunity, despite now claiming to be on a rescue mission.
He further criticised the group for embodying the worst traits of Nigerian politics—greed, selfishness, and entitlement—while offering no real solutions or progress.
According to him, Nigerians are exhausted by the old political class and are demanding new leadership built on merit, inclusivity, and national unity, not outdated power structures and failed legacies.
“If your group wants to be part of our party, you must do the proper thing and come through the front door,” he said.
He also stated that the ADC is made up of disciplined members who believe in proposing alternative ideas, not just opposing the government.
“We are a party of decent and well-behaved people. Our brand of opposition is one that not only opposes but proposes, something your group is not conversant with,” he added.
Other ADC Members Also Reject Coalition Takeover
Earlier, some members of the ADC had also rejected the coalition’s adoption of the party. They said such a decision cannot be taken by one individual, stressing that the ADC is not a one-man project.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.