The Forum of State Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over what it describes as an illegal attempt to hijack the party by a group of power seekers. The chairmen say this move is not a real political coalition, but a dangerous ploy to seize control outside the bounds of democracy.
In a press statement titled “Rejecting the Political Junta by Defending ADC and Nigeria’s Democracy Against Subversion,” the Concerned State Chairmen of the ADC, led by Hon. Amb. Elias Adokwu and Publicity Secretary Hon. Godwin Alaku, called the coalition’s actions a “blatant and reckless subversion” of the party and Nigeria’s democratic principles. They argue that this is not a genuine effort to realign political ideologies but an unconstitutional power grab orchestrated through manipulation and backdoor dealings.
“This is an insult to everyone who believes in and has worked for democratic governance in Nigeria,” the statement read. “Their objective is to fracture the democratic process using selfish ambition and extra-party inducements to destroy a political platform they neither built nor believe in.”
The coalition includes prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung, all of whom have reportedly joined the ADC to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Senator David Mark was appointed interim National Chairman, with former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola as Secretary and Bolaji Abdullahi as spokesperson.
The ADC state chairmen claim these individuals played no role in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy or the party’s growth. They referenced a disturbing 2011 election statement attributed to one of the coalition’s leaders: “If peaceful change is not possible, violent change is inevitable.” The chairmen warned that this “dangerous mindset” is resurfacing, threatening Nigeria’s democratic stability. “It is only by the grace of God that our democracy survived then, and we must not allow such reckless adventurism to thrive now,” they said.
The state chairmen emphasized that the ADC remains a party rooted in democratic principles, the rule of law, and ideological clarity. They rejected the idea of the ADC being a platform for “political mercenaries or ideological impostors.” The statement urged the coalition to form their own party if they wish to pursue their agenda, declaring, “The ADC is not for sale, not for hijack, and certainly not a dumping ground for discredited power brokers.”
The chairmen also dismissed claims by former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, who endorsed the coalition and announced the resignation of the National Working Committee (NWC) on July 2, 2025. They called his allegations, including claims of being offered three ministerial appointments to abandon the coalition plan, “baseless” and a “desperate attempt to salvage his political reputation.”
The ADC state chairmen have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject any attempts to recognize an illegal change in the party’s leadership. They also urged Nigerians, civil society organizations, and law enforcement agencies to resist what they described as “creeping authoritarianism” and investigate unlawful efforts to disrupt the political order. “We, the legitimate custodians of the ADC structure across all states, reject this illegitimate junta,” they stated.
The Odua People’s Assembly (OPA) has also condemned Senator David Mark, accusing him of a pattern of anti-democratic behavior, including his alleged role in the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest. The OPA called his actions a “treasonable felony” and urged the federal government to hold him accountable.
Meanwhile, Hon. Leke Abejide, the ADC’s sole House of Representatives member, described the coalition’s move as a “forceful takeover” and reaffirmed his loyalty to the “original ADC,” distancing himself from the “Kangaroo Coalition ADC.” He expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, further highlighting the party’s internal divisions.
The ADC, originally formed in 2005 as the Alliance for Democratic Change, has grown into a notable opposition party with two lawmakers in the Nigerian National Assembly as of 2022. Its mission, as outlined on its official website, is to foster inclusive governance and a strong economy through progressive policies. However, the current crisis threatens to undermine its unity and credibility as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
As the coalition, led by high-profile figures like David Mark and Atiku Abubakar, pushes to position the ADC as a united front against the APC, the resistance from state chairmen and other stakeholders signals a deepening rift. Political analysts suggest this conflict could either strengthen the ADC as a formidable opposition or fracture it beyond repair.
The ADC state chairmen concluded their statement with a firm stance: “Nigeria belongs to all of us, and its democracy must be preserved, protected, and strengthened, not undermined by political desperadoes masquerading as reformers.” They vowed to stand firm against any attempts to impose leadership through undemocratic means.
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