A major political development unfolded in Abuja on Sunday as a faction of the African Democratic Congress officially adopted former presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, as its sole flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election, further deepening the internal crisis currently rocking the opposition party.
The announcement was made during a parallel national convention organised by the Kachikwu-led bloc at the A-Class Event Centre in Abuja, where party delegates and stakeholders from different states gathered to reaffirm their loyalty to the faction and elect a new National Working Committee.
The adoption of Kachikwu as the faction’s presidential candidate came through a unanimous voice vote conducted by delegates during the convention. Members described the move as a strategic effort to strengthen the party ahead of the next general elections and position it as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Chairman of the convention’s electoral committee, Elias Adikwu, announced the decision before party faithful, stating that delegates had resolved to support Kachikwu as the sole candidate capable of repositioning the party and leading its national political agenda into the 2027 polls.
Adikwu explained that the endorsement followed consultations among party leaders and stakeholders across several states, adding that members were united in their determination to rebuild the party structure and protect what they described as the original vision of the ADC.
The convention also produced a fresh leadership structure for the faction. Abdulkadir Mohammed Bashir emerged as the factional National Chairman and was immediately tasked with overseeing the party’s affairs as preparations begin for future political contests.
Shortly after his emergence, Bashir officially presented the ADC flag to Kachikwu in front of cheering supporters, declaring that the party was fully committed to his presidential ambition.
According to Bashir, the faction believes Kachikwu possesses the leadership qualities, experience, and political vision necessary to inspire Nigerians at a time when many citizens are expressing frustration over economic hardship, insecurity, and governance challenges across the country.
He further noted that the ADC would begin nationwide mobilisation and grassroots consultations aimed at attracting more youths, women, and professionals into the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Several other officials also emerged during the convention to occupy strategic positions within the faction’s National Working Committee. Among them were Kingsley Oggah as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Johnny Tovie Derek as Deputy National Chairman, Kennedy O. Odion as National Secretary, Joe Aroh as National Treasurer, Amirigoye as National Financial Secretary, Chris Ugwu as National Legal Adviser, Elias Adikwu as National Organising Secretary, and Patrick Ambut as National Chief Whip.
The latest development comes amid a growing leadership struggle within the ADC following the emergence of another powerful faction led by former Senate President David Mark.
The Mark-led faction had earlier held its own national convention in Abuja where delegates reportedly amended sections of the party constitution and endorsed David Mark as the substantive National Chairman of the ADC.
That convention attracted several notable opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside political allies involved in ongoing coalition discussions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Political observers say the growing battle for legitimacy between the two camps could significantly shape the future of opposition politics in Nigeria, especially as parties continue to strategise against the dominance of the ruling APC.
Analysts believe the ADC has increasingly become attractive to opposition politicians seeking a new political platform capable of challenging the ruling party after years of electoral setbacks.
However, the parallel conventions and competing leadership claims have also raised concerns about the stability and unity of the party.
Members of the David Mark faction had previously announced the expulsion of some party officials and accused rival members of engaging in anti-party activities and actions capable of destabilising the ADC.
Despite the tensions, supporters of the Kachikwu camp insist their faction remains committed to internal democracy, constitutional order, and transparent leadership.
Speaking after receiving the party flag, Kachikwu reportedly pledged to focus on national unity, economic revival, institutional reforms, youth empowerment, and security if elected president in 2027.
He also urged party supporters not to lose faith in the ADC despite the ongoing internal disagreements, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to strengthen the party’s structures nationwide.
The political crisis within the ADC is expected to attract increased national attention in the coming months as both factions continue their battle for recognition and control of the party machinery.
With coalition talks intensifying across Nigeria’s opposition landscape, many analysts believe the outcome of the ADC leadership dispute could play a major role in determining the shape of alliances and political strategies ahead of the next presidential election.
For now, the emergence of Dumebi Kachikwu as the presidential candidate of the factional ADC has added another dramatic chapter to Nigeria’s evolving political realignments ahead of 2027.
