Parallel convention in Abuja installs new party leadership, calls for unity amid growing internal rift ahead of 2027 elections

Fresh cracks have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after a faction loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu dissolved the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and named him its presidential candidate.

The decisions were reached on Sunday during a parallel national convention and primary held in Abuja, where delegates endorsed Kachikwu through a voice vote. The faction also announced the immediate replacement of the dissolved NWC with a new set of national officers.

Under the new structure, Kingsley Oggah was named Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Abdulkadir Bashir emerged as National Chairman, Johnny Derek as National Secretary, Kennedy O. Odion as National Treasurer, and Chief Amirigoye as National Financial Secretary. Other appointments include Dr Chris Ugwu as National Legal Adviser, alongside a National Publicity Secretary.

Accepting the party’s flag, Kachikwu painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current state, warning that worsening insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and deepening social divisions demand urgent and decisive leadership.

He lamented the growing wave of emigration among Nigeria’s middle class, describing it as a clear sign of declining confidence in the country’s future. According to him, the ADC must rise as a credible alternative capable of restoring hope and rebuilding national trust.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us and cannot continue to be controlled by a privileged few,” he said, pledging inclusive leadership if elected.

Earlier, Oggah described the convention as a turning point for the party, insisting that the ADC had demonstrated resilience despite internal tensions and external pressures. He commended members for remaining committed through a period marked by disagreements and uncertainty.

Newly elected National Chairman, Abdulkadir Bashir, urged party members to adhere strictly to the ADC constitution and avoid actions that could further fracture the party. He emphasised that no individual is bigger than the party and called on aggrieved members to return and work collectively toward strengthening its structures ahead of future elections.

The development adds another layer to the ADC’s internal crisis, which intensified following political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. A rival faction, reportedly aligned with former Senate President David Mark, emerged after his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party in 2025 as part of a broader opposition coalition.

The competing claims to leadership underscore a deepening struggle for control within the party, raising fresh concerns about its cohesion and readiness for the electoral cycle.