Dumebi Kachikwu, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has responded with skepticism to the recent adoption of the party by an opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
At a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the coalition announced its decision to adopt the ADC as its platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 elections. The group also appointed former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim national secretary.
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In a statement, Kachikwu expressed concern over what he described as a return to outdated and controversial leadership models within the party. He said he is observing the unfolding situation “with amusement.”
According to him, the coalition is working with the former leadership of the party headed by Ralph Nwosu, whose tenure expired on August 21, 2022. Kachikwu emphasized that Nwosu’s continued claims to party leadership have been the subject of various court cases nationwide.
“It is with the greatest amusement that I watched the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar-led group announce their takeover of the ADC’s national leadership,” Kachikwu said. “I’ve received countless calls and messages asking for my reaction to this unfolding dramedy.”
“The facts are simple: the Atiku-led group is allied with the expired Nwosu-led executive. You cannot build something on nothing. Can you shave a man’s head in his absence? Can you enter someone’s house through the back door and declare yourself the landlord?”
He referred to the coalition leaders as relics of Nigeria’s political failures. “These yesterday’s men, who symbolize a regrettable chapter in our national story, have bought bad market from someone who represents a troubled past in ADC’s history,” he said.
Kachikwu criticized the coalition as a group of “mostly geriatrics” chasing political relevance under the guise of a rescue mission. “These are the same people, former vice presidents, governors, ministers, and office holders who’ve held sway for over four decades. What do we have to show for their leadership? A nation divided by tribe and religion, thriving on mediocrity.”
“They claim to be the fire brigade, yet they are the ones who set our nation ablaze. Nigerians are tired of your generation. You stand for nothing but your selfish interests and view political power as your birthright,” he added.
He called for a leadership rooted in meritocracy and national unity. “Nigerians yearn for new names, fresh faces, and progressive ideas. We dream of a nation that works for everyone, not just the elite. We want laws and opportunities that are equal for all, inclusiveness, and protections for the vulnerable.”
Kachikwu urged the coalition to follow due process if they wish to join the ADC. “If you seek to join us, come through the front door. We are a party of decent and well-behaved people. Our brand of opposition is constructive, we oppose and also propose, something your group is unfamiliar with.”
He concluded with a final jab: “I strongly suspect you’ll be shopping for another party very soon. As you do, we in the ADC wish you bon voyage. Thank you, and God bless.”
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