President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a jab at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of trying to “privatise” the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the party struggles with internal divisions.
Tinubu made the remark on Thursday while receiving a delegation of Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the State House in Abuja, linking the ADC’s ongoing crisis to what he described as Atiku’s political style.
Drawing from Atiku’s past role in Nigeria’s privatisation programme, Tinubu questioned the outcome of some of those efforts, pointing to industries he claimed have not performed since being privatised.
“He privatised the steel industry in Delta is it working today? No. He privatised Ajaokuta is it working today? No,” Tinubu said, adding that the same approach is now being applied to a political party.
“They are trying to privatise another man’s party, but the owner said no,” he added.
His comments come at a time when the ADC is grappling with a prolonged leadership crisis that has split the party into multiple factions. Among those laying claim to leadership are groups linked to David Mark, Nafiu Bala, and Ogga Kingsley.
The situation escalated earlier this month when the Independent National Electoral Commission withdrew recognition of both the Mark-led faction and Bala’s group, following an interim ruling by the Court of Appeal.
The dispute is now headed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which is expected to hear an appeal on April 22.
Meanwhile, tensions within the party have spilled over at the state level. A faction of the ADC in Adamawa recently announced Atiku’s suspension, accusing him of fueling divisions a move that has further complicated the situation.
With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, the crisis within the ADC is raising fresh doubts about the opposition’s ability to present a united front.
