News Update
A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) loyal to the party’s former presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, has announced him as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The group also dissolved the National Working Committee led by David Mark and replaced it with a new leadership team during its national convention held in Abuja on Sunday.
Delegates from different parts of the country attended the gathering where new officials were selected to run the affairs of the faction.
Abdulkadir Bashir emerged as the national chairman, while Johnny Derek was named deputy national chairman.
Other officials announced included Kennedy Odion as national secretary, Joe Aro as treasurer, and Chris Ugwu as publicity secretary.
The faction also appointed Elias Adikwu as national organising secretary, while Patrick Ambut became national chief whip.
Adamu Sahad was named deputy national chairman in charge of ethics, and Kingsley Oggah was announced as chairman of the Board of Trustees.
The party has remained divided into different camps battling for control ahead of the 2027 election.
Apart from the faction linked to David Mark, there are also groups backed by Nafiu Bala and Dumebi Kachikwu, with each side insisting it is the authentic leadership of the party.
The leadership crisis has already gone before the courts, with rival camps seeking legal recognition.
In April, the Independent National Electoral Commission suspended recognition of the party’s leadership because of ongoing court cases and an Appeal Court ruling asking all factions to maintain the existing situation until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, on April 30, INEC updated its records and recognised the faction led by David Mark. Former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola currently serves as secretary of that faction.
During the convention, Delta State ADC chairman Austin Okolie moved the motion for the adoption of the new National Working Committee.
The motion was supported by Jigawa State chairman Kabiru Hussaini before delegates approved it through a voice vote.
The newly elected officials were later sworn into office.
In his speech after taking office, Abdulkadir Bashir accused the David Mark-led leadership of acting in its own interest and promised that the new executives would carry members along in decision-making.
Shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, Elias Adikwu announced Dumebi Kachikwu as the faction’s consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Kachikwu previously flew the party’s flag during the 2023 presidential election.