(DDM) – A political analyst and governance advocate, Dr. Ben O. Chukwu, has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) risks political collapse if it presents a presidential candidate lacking integrity, accountability, and a credible public record ahead of future national contests.
In a strongly worded opinion piece published on December 27, 2025, Chukwu argued that Nigeria’s political history punishes parties that campaign against corruption while promoting candidates shaped by the same political culture they publicly condemn.
He described the ADC as standing “at a dangerous crossroads,” noting that while the party positions itself as a broad coalition capable of challenging entrenched political dominance, its success ultimately depends on the moral strength of its chosen flagbearer.
According to him, opposition politics built on recycled political figures and compromised reputations only creates an “illusion of change” and deepens public distrust.
Chukwu stressed that Nigeria’s electorate has grown more politically conscious and can no longer be swayed by slogans or temporary alliances lacking substance.
He cautioned that presenting a candidate with questionable lineage, weak accountability records, or a history tied to unjust governance would not only undermine ADC’s credibility but also betray Nigerians seeking genuine reform.
“You cannot fight corruption with corrupted hands,” he wrote, warning that wrong political choices at the beginning of a movement often define its eventual failure.
The analyst argued that leadership demands early moral clarity, not delayed courage, insisting that political parties must demonstrate integrity from the outset rather than promising reform after winning power.
He added that opposing the ruling party with “different faces but the same habits” only prolongs national suffering and damages the long-term reputation of emerging political platforms.
Chukwu urged ADC leaders to prioritise character over electability, saying that political victory without ethical foundations would amount to national self-deception.
He outlined key qualities he believes Nigerians now demand from any credible national leader, including honesty, a verifiable track record of service, physical and mental capacity for governance, and a deep sense of responsibility toward public resources.
According to him, Nigeria does not need more career politicians driven by entitlement, but visionary leaders who view public office as a burden of service rather than a reward.
He further noted that leadership legitimacy must come from proven accountability, not campaign promises or elite endorsements.
In a direct appeal to the party, Chukwu called on ADC to resist political shortcuts and internal compromises that could weaken its reformist image.
“Do not settle for what is merely electable when what the nation requires is transformative leadership,” he warned.
He concluded by stating that the choice ADC makes at its primaries would define whether the party becomes a true vehicle for national renewal or another missed opportunity in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Dr. Ben O. Chukwu is a medical doctor, certified business manager, political strategist, and governance activist known for his advocacy on integrity-driven leadership and institutional reform.