A former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has refuted claims by the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, that the party was hijacked by the newly formed opposition coalition.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics on Thursday, Dalung insisted that the transition followed due process and involved key stakeholders of the ADC, including members of its National Working Committee and Board of Trustees.
Naijaonpoint reports that Dalung revealed that conversations about the coalition had been ongoing for over 18 months, and that the eventual unveiling was the culmination of extensive consultations and planning.
He said, “The chairman of the board of trustees of the party was in attendance. So, it wasn’t a hijack. Members of the party were there, and the coalition elements were there to witness the transition of leadership.”
Responding to Kachikwu’s accusations, Dalung suggested that the former ADC flagbearer may have been out of touch with internal party developments.
Dalung said, “He might not know the developments that had taken place. He might not be in touch with the party and so not quite informed about what has happened.
“But then he had expressed his feelings. The party will have to deal with it because the party is under new leadership.”
On Wednesday, the opposition coalition unveiled its leadership with former Senate President David Mark named interim national chairman and former Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, as secretary.
The formal handover was performed by outgoing chairman Ralph Nwosu during the event in Abuja.
Dalung noted that members of the party’s National Working Committee were also present and had even resigned their positions at the event, validating the legitimacy of the new leadership.
Naijaonpoint recalls that Kachikwu had earlier dismissed the coalition as a political invasion, claiming it involved “people who destroyed Nigeria,” and accused them of entering the party “through the back door.”
But Dalung dismissed those remarks as exaggerated and misleading.
Dalung, “I think the word ‘hijacked’ might have been used to be more appealing. But in truth, there was a process. And if he was not aware of the process, then he was in a position to ask questions, just like he’s doing.”