2027: APC May Back Kachikwu’s Legal Battle Against ADC Leadership – Expert

A political expert has suggested that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is likely to support a legal challenge by Dumebi Kachikwu, a disgruntled member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), against the party’s new leadership under David Mark. Jideofor Adibe, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Nasarawa State University, shared this view during an appearance on Channels Television’s *The Morning Brief* on Thursday.

Kachikwu, the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, accused the Mark-led coalition of forcefully taking over the party, despite former ADC Chairman Ralph Nwosu having officially handed over to Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as interim National Chair and Secretary. Kachikwu has threatened legal action against the new leadership, a move Adibe believes the APC would welcome.

According to Adibe, “This is the only thing that can give him a headline. He came from nowhere and became the presidential candidate of the ADC for what seemed to be an ego trip. I’m not even sure that he got a handful of votes in his polling unit. I’m sure the APC and the government of the day will be very happy to oxygenate and amplify his narrative.”

Adibe also commented on the strength and experience of the new opposition coalition led by David Mark, which includes figures like Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He acknowledged the significant challenge the coalition faces in unseating President Bola Tinubu, but credited them with political weight and resilience.

“David Mark was one of the key executioners of the Babangida coup. A retired brigadier general, and the longest-serving Senate president in the country. At 77, there is nothing anyone can use to frighten him,” Adibe said. He described Aregbesola as the strategist behind Tinubu’s loss in Osun State, and praised Peter Obi’s political tenacity, referencing his nickname *Okwute* (meaning “rock”) and his record of defying political godfathers in Anambra State.

He also pointed to the involvement of former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, known for his boldness and technocratic approach, and former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, who famously clashed with then-President Goodluck Jonathan.

“These are people who are tested. Of course, they know it is not yet Uhuru,” Adibe concluded, suggesting that while the opposition coalition is formidable, the road ahead remains uncertain.