Division has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following its reported adoption by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as the new political platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
In a quiet yet significant move, the ADC recently amended its constitution to grant equal rights and privileges to incoming members.
The strategic change is widely seen as an attempt to accommodate high-profile defectors from other parties ahead of the coalition. However, the development has sparked internal resistance from several state chapters of the party.
While some officials welcomed the move as a step toward national relevance, others accused the party leadership of surrendering too much to external political forces.
Many state leaders voiced opposition to relinquishing their positions to the incoming Atiku-Obi bloc, warning that such impositions could fracture the party.
Despite the tensions, some stakeholders expressed willingness to compromise for the sake of unity and national interest.
The ADC Chairmen in Rivers, Niger, Kano, Kaduna, and Kebbi States signalled their readiness to vacate their positions if it would strengthen the coalition and enhance the party’s electoral fortunes.
“Our party symbol is a handshake, which represents unity. We can’t reject people of high calibre who want to join us,” Kano ADC Chairman, Musa Ungogo, said.
Ralph Nwosu, ADC’s National Chairman, confirmed that the party amended critical sections of its constitution, including provisions that previously required members to wait two years before being eligible for leadership roles or contesting major elections.
Nwosu explained that these changes were made to accommodate new entrants in the spirit of political inclusion and coalition-building.
His words: “The fact that we founded the party doesn’t mean we own it.
“We have opened ourselves up for a coalition. Now, the power we have as members of over 20 years is the same power that new members will enjoy.”
However, the open-door policy has not been universally accepted.
Chairmen in Osun, Delta, Plateau, Benue, and Gombe States pushed back strongly, rejecting what they described as an attempted “takeover” of the party’s leadership.
Osun ADC Chairman Charles Omidiji said: “Let people defect to our party, but to hold the view that they will come in and displace us — that will not happen. We are open to negotiations, but it must be a give-and-take situation.”
Delta ADC Chairman, Austin Okolie, echoed the sentiment, warning that replacing those who kept the party afloat would be unjust.
“You can’t change the people who have laboured for the party. If not for them, there would be no ADC to form a coalition with,” he said.
The South-East Vice Chairman of the party, Chilos Godsent, warned of “internal rancour” if newcomers were allowed to take over without proper consensus.
“Any form of imposition will destabilize the party,” he warned.
Some members accused the national leadership of acting unilaterally, amending the party’s constitution during a National Executive Council meeting held on May 15 without broader consultation.
Despite the backlash, ADC leadership insists that the coalition offers the best chance to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
EXPOSED!! POPULAR ABUJA DOCTOR REVEALED HOW MEN CAN NATURALLY AND PERMANENTLY CURE POOR ERECTION, QUICK EJACULATION, SMALL AND SHAMEFUL MANHOOD WITHOUT SIDE EFFECTS. EVEN IF YOU ARE HYPERTENSIVE OR DIABETIC ..STOP THE USE OF HARD DRUG FOR SEX!! IT KILLS!
Important awareness lacking in persons above 40, 50, 60 years leading to sudden heart attack, stroke, slumping suddenly. Weak Erection is a symptom. Overcome root causes, dark side, for a permanent solution. Visible solutions to diabetes, prostate, infertility. Click for details!!