Politics

Hijack or Coalition: Kachikwu Declares Legal War Over Alleged Hijack of ADC Leadership

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 3rd, 2025.

Hijack or Coalition: Kachikwu Declares Legal War Over Alleged Hijack of ADC Leadership

Dumebi Kachikwu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s 2023 presidential candidate, has announced plans to challenge what he describes as an orchestrated attempt to seize control of the party by a rival faction. His strategy involves formally petitioning the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking legal intervention, and mobilizing grassroots supporters to defend what he calls the “soul of the ADC.”

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Kachikwu revealed that despite facing threats and online attacks since taking a stand against the unfolding crisis, he remains committed to confronting what he labels an “undemocratic hijack” of the party’s leadership.

Flanked by seven state chairmen — representing Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Borno, and Jigawa — as well as the party’s national spokesperson, Kachikwu condemned the removal of these elected officials via what he termed an “online coup” orchestrated by the opposing camp. “These loyal party men were elected, not appointed through WhatsApp or Facebook. Yesterday, they were summarily dismissed through a social media post — that’s unacceptable,” he said.

Kachikwu emphasized that his group would demand clarity from INEC on the current leadership status of the party. Should INEC confirm a leadership vacuum, the state caucus would immediately convene a national convention to elect new officers and restore order.

He also confirmed that a court case is on the table as part of efforts to challenge what he views as an illegitimate process. “We are weighing all legal options. INEC is the regulator, the courts are the people’s refuge, and our grassroots base is watching — we’ll use every available means,” he stated.

Coalition Talks and Power Rotation

Kachikwu further disclosed that he had previously been approached by members of a political coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027. However, discussions broke down after the coalition rejected the idea of presenting a Southern presidential candidate — a dealbreaker for Kachikwu, who argues that equity demands the South be allowed to produce the next president.

“I asked them: Since President Tinubu, a Southerner, is already serving, shouldn’t the South complete its tenure before power returns to the North? Their answer was, ‘We’re taking back our power.’ That told me everything,” he recounted.

He insisted that even if the coalition were to realign and seek the ADC’s endorsement, any potential candidate would still have to win the party’s nomination through a transparent primary process.

Concerns About Factional Leadership

Kachikwu also criticized INEC’s past handling of internal disputes within the ADC, particularly during the tenure of former interim chairman Ralph O. Nwosu. He accused the commission of enabling confusion by tolerating multiple parallel leadership structures.

“This isn’t the first time INEC has failed to act decisively. For three years, they allowed Nwosu to install rival chairmen across states. Now we’re asking: who is the legitimate chairman today?” he asked.

He also questioned the legitimacy of the rival faction’s newly announced interim leader, who allegedly received his ADC membership card during the same event in which he was named chairman. “In what democracy do you get appointed chairman and receive your membership card on the same day? That’s not a merger; that’s a hijack,” Kachikwu declared.

On Social Media Attacks and Media Misrepresentation

Kachikwu voiced concern over what he described as a wave of toxic online attacks and targeted misinformation since rejecting the faction’s legitimacy. He mentioned anticipated negative press, including a potential article from Peoples Gazette alleging unresolved tax matters in the U.S., which he dismissed as an intimidation tactic.

He warned against reducing Nigerian politics to online blackmail and misinformation. “If you think social media threats will force me into silence, think again. I’m not the kind of person you can bully into submission,” he said.

Additionally, he took aim at the media for failing to properly distinguish between the official party structure and the breakaway faction. “The media must do better. In 2023, you focused only on Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso. You told Nigerians the rest of us didn’t matter. But this country needs more than four options,” he argued.

Kachikwu Vows to Defend Party’s Future

Despite the current turmoil, Kachikwu expressed confidence in the strength of his faction, which he credited with helping the ADC place fifth in the 2023 elections. “This party is worth fighting for. We won’t surrender to political merchants or shadowy power brokers. We’re ready for a long, principled fight,” he affirmed.