The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing a deepening leadership crisis as a third faction loyal to 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu emerged on Tuesday. The group endorsed the electoral commission’s withdrawal of recognition from the David Mark-led leadership and the Nafiu Gombe camp.
At a briefing in Abuja, the faction appointed Kingsley Temitope, Kogi State Chairman, as interim national chairman. It disowned Gombe, accusing him of assuming leadership through an illegitimate process, and criticized former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu for trying to hand over the party to non-members.
The faction, comprising state chairmen from 25 states, said its formation aims to preserve the party’s structure and prepare for upcoming elections. Publicity Secretary Obinna Don Norman emphasized that the National Executive Committee remains the only legal body for liaising with INEC.
The Mark-led faction dismissed the move as opportunistic, with Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and Queen Okiyi accusing members of pursuing personal interests and defying party rules.
Meanwhile, Lagos APC stated that Nigeria’s democracy will remain intact even if opposition parties like ADC or PDP fail to meet INEC requirements.
Iba Gani Adams, Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, warned that weakening opposition could push the country toward dictatorship, urging the judiciary to ensure fairness in political disputes.
