2027: Kachikwu dismisses ADC convention as political gangsterism

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has dismissed the Tuesday’s convention conducted by a faction of the party as “political gangsterism,” held in defiance of a valid court order.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Kachikwu said a Federal High Court had, on April 14, directed parties in a dispute involving ADC state chairmen and a group led by former Senate President, David Mark, to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the suit.

He noted that the order expressly restrained all parties from conducting congresses or conventions, making the exercise carried out by the opposing faction unlawful.

“Despite this order, these desperate politicians went ahead to hold a convention in the name of the ADC, knowing fully well they have no locus before the law. This is nothing but political gangsterism,” Kachikwu said.

He warned that persistent disregard for court orders by political actors posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy, accusing the group of attempting to destabilise both the party and the country.

“They have one agenda to instigate a breakdown of law and order. Their mission is simple: if they can’t have it, no one else can,” he alleged.

The former ADC flagbearer also criticised what he described as the opposition’s failure to provide credible alternatives to the ruling government, saying recent political gatherings had degenerated into mere blame games.

He said, “What Nigerians witnessed was a show of harsh words against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC, without a single idea on what they would do differently. That is not opposition; that is desperation.”

He also berated notable opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, for failing to address critical security and economic challenges in their respective regions.

He said, “Some political actors were playing politics with the blood of innocent Nigerians in their quest for power, warning that such actions could further destabilise the country.

“Nigeria is already fragile, weakened by insurgency, poor governance, and corruption. It cannot afford institutional sabotage by the same old political class.”

The ADC chieftain, however, stated that that the “real ADC” would conduct its convention in line with the law and would not allow itself to be hijacked for political vendettas.