The ADC party structure crisis intensified on Thursday as the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Dumebi Kachikwu, accused former Senate President David Mark of orchestrating a takeover of the party. Speaking on Arise TV, Kachikwu alleged that the ADC party structure was hijacked through the removal of existing executives and replacement with loyalists, raising fresh concerns over internal party leadership and governance.
The dispute over the ADC party structure follows a protracted leadership crisis within the party, which has seen competing factions lay claim to its control. The African Democratic Congress, a registered political party in Nigeria, has experienced internal disagreements over the conduct of congresses and conventions, which determine leadership positions at state and national levels.
The latest development comes shortly after a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising congresses conducted by a faction linked to Mark. The court also barred the former Senate President and others from interfering with the tenure of duly elected state executives.
The legal intervention has become a central point in the ongoing contest over control of the ADC party structure, with both factions interpreting the ruling in support of their positions.
Kachikwu alleged that the crisis began when a faction led by Mark established committees that displaced constitutionally recognised party structures at the state level. He stated that the party’s constitution assigns responsibility for organising congresses and conventions to state chairmen.
“In our constitution, the congresses are conducted and midwifed by the state chairman. Same thing with the convention,” he said.
He further claimed that ad hoc committees were used to override these structures and install preferred officials across states. According to him, party members reported being sidelined during the process. “So, I’ve had people calling me from all the states, they pushed us out… they took over our party structure,” he said.
Kachikwu also referenced a Federal High Court ruling which nullified congresses and a national convention organised by the faction, describing the proceedings as irregular. He stated that the court described the exercise as a “kangaroo convention.”
In response, Mark, through a statement issued by the party’s publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, assured members that the party would remain active in future elections. “I want to assure you that we shall triumph in all the cases… we shall be on the ballot for every election,” he said.
The ongoing dispute over the ADC party structure highlights broader concerns about internal democracy within political parties in Nigeria. Leadership conflicts and litigation can affect party stability, candidate selection processes, and overall electoral preparedness.
The situation also places the Independent National Electoral Commission in a critical position regarding recognition of party leadership, especially as preparations for future elections continue. Additionally, repeated legal battles over party leadership may influence public confidence in smaller political parties seeking to expand their national relevance.
