The National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Interim National Chairman Senator David Mark, has assured the party’s state chairmen of their full inclusion in the coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The assurance came during a meeting on Thursday at Senator Mark’s Abuja residence, attended by the ADC NWC, state chairmen, and key stakeholders.
This meeting followed earlier tensions when Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, alongside some state chairmen, accused Mark and Interim National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola of being imposed on the party and plotting to remove some state chairmen.
However, the party’s Interim National Spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, stressed after the meeting that the leadership remains committed to collaborating closely with the state chapters.
He said, “We invited all the state chairmen to reassure them that we have no intention of sidelining them. Thirty-seven state chairmen, including that of the FCT, were present. The purpose is to dispel falsehoods circulating nationwide that we have come to take over the party and push them aside. We are working with them as partners to build a stronger party.”
Addressing Kachikwu’s criticisms, Abdullahi noted, “A presidential candidate is just a member, not an officer of the party. We stand on solid legal ground, and no ADC member has objected to the process.”
Kingsley Ogga, ADC Forum Chairman and Kogi State Chairman, confirmed that state leaders have been involved in coalition talks for nearly three years and expressed support for the current leadership’s direction.
The meeting also included prominent figures such as former governors Liyel Imoke and Aminu Tambuwal, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, and former PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan.
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