…Says Coalition was Designed to Produce Atiku as Presidential Candidate

…Demands INEC Clarification on ADC Leadership

…Accuses Coalition Leaders of Hijacking Party for Selfish Gains

By Henry Umoru, Abuja

The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has challenged the promoters of the newly formed ADC-led opposition coalition to be bold enough to declare that the 2027 presidential ticket will be zoned to the South.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Kachikwu slammed the coalition—reportedly involving top opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai—as a “backdoor plot” to install another northern candidate for the 2027 elections.

Kachikwu alleged that the coalition was carefully crafted from inception to hand over the 2027 presidential ticket to Atiku Abubakar, describing such ambition as a betrayal of Nigeria’s power rotation principles.

“Let the coalition today make a bold pronouncement that the 2027 presidential candidate will come from the South. If they do that, we will welcome them through the front door,” Kachikwu said.

He accused the coalition leaders of orchestrating a hostile takeover of the ADC, using influential political names to sideline grassroots party members and established structures.

“These people attend the same weddings, meetings, and parties. They are old friends. They are not here to rescue Nigeria—they are enemies of progress. We are all victims of a failed system, and these same actors cannot be the ones to save us.”

Kachikwu, whose faction of the ADC has appointed Elias Adikwu Abu from Benue State as national chairman, condemned the unveiling of former Senate President David Mark and former minister Rauf Aregbesola as interim leaders of the party under the new coalition.

He also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for not providing clarity on the current leadership status of the ADC.

“INEC must tell Nigerians who the authentic national chairman of ADC is. This coalition was announced without any legitimate process. The issuance of membership cards to David Mark and Aregbesola is an insult to the party’s constitutional structure.”

Kachikwu further revealed that his life has been threatened following his rejection of the coalition, but vowed not to be intimidated.

“I’ve received threats, blackmail, and bullying, but I will not back down. Some online platforms are recycling old tax evasion stories to discredit me. I challenge those promoting these figures to show Nigerians their tax records and sources of livelihood.”

Describing the coalition as a gathering of “political jobbers,” Kachikwu questioned the sincerity of the opposition leaders, noting that Nigerian youths were not represented in the new political arrangement.

“These are the same people who brought Nigeria to its knees, and now they are branding themselves as a fire brigade. Our youths feel abandoned. Suicide, drug abuse, and social decay are rising because of failed leadership.”

Kachikwu lamented the removal of elected ADC officials in favour of “politically connected elites,” stressing that the party must remain a platform for all Nigerians—regardless of status or background.

He also took aim at the media, accusing some outlets of fueling the marginalization of smaller parties by focusing only on major candidates in the 2023 election cycle.

“The media must do better. When you report a faction as the entire party, you do a disservice to democracy. You owe it to Nigerians to be fair and accurate.”

Kachikwu concluded by affirming his resolve to pursue legal and institutional redress, calling on Nigerians to reject recycled leadership and fight for a truly inclusive political alternative.

“Nigeria can no longer afford to be governed by the same set of people. We need a fresh start—and ADC must remain a platform for that hope, not a tool for recycled ambition.”