ADC presidential candidate faults party takeover, political hijack

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, has criticized the attempted takeover of the party by senior political figures, describing it as “political suicide” and a betrayal of party ideals.

Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja, Kachikwu reacted to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) announcement that it would no longer recognize the David Mark-led caretaker committee until ongoing court matters are resolved.

He said the decision exposes the dangers of ‘backdoor’ politics within the party.

He alleged that political actors who had previously attempted to register or join other parties including the SDP jumped to the ADC seeking personal gain, disregarding ideology and public service.

“These are men with no belief system, standing for nothing, believing only in the notion that power is their birthright,” Kachikwu said.

He warned that attempts to impose high nomination fees and manipulate party structures to exclude grassroots members are a clear effort to disenfranchise ordinary Nigerians.

He noted that the plan to sell forms at inflated prices would prevent the poor from participating meaningfully in party affairs.

Kachikwu added that the ongoing legal battles, which could reach the Supreme Court, will determine the party’s leadership but warned that the hijack attempts undermine the democratic process within the ADC.

He reassured supporters that the party’s vision remains intact urging Nigerians not to be discouraged, highlighting that alternative political platforms remain available, including the PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, AA, AAC, SDP and others.

“The actions of these men have rendered political aspirations through the ADC a nonstarter, but you can fool man, not God,” Kachikwu said.

The former ADC presidential candidate urged Nigerians and party faithful to remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of ideology, transparency, and grassroots participation in politics.