“ADC Presidential Hopefuls Have Nothing to Offer Nigerians” — Kachikwu

Dumebi Kachikwu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has criticised emerging presidential aspirants within the party, describing them as lacking credible ideas for governance.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Kachikwu said the aspirants were motivated by personal ambition rather than a clear agenda for Nigeria.

He also challenged the legitimacy of a national convention organised by a faction of the party led by former Senate President David Mark, alleging that the event was held in defiance of a court order.

According to Kachikwu, proceeding with the convention despite legal restrictions raises concerns about the commitment of party leaders to due process and the rule of law.

“Can individuals who disregard court orders be trusted to act in the interest of the party or the country?” he asked.

Kachikwu further criticised the tone of the convention, noting that presidential hopefuls focused their remarks on attacking President Bola Tinubu rather than presenting policy alternatives.

He argued that opposition figures should prioritise offering solutions and outlining their plans for governance, instead of centring their campaigns on criticism of the current administration.

Among those who have indicated interest in contesting the presidency on the ADC platform ahead of the 2027 election are former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.

The ADC is currently divided into three factions led by Mark, Nafiu Bala, and Ogga Kingsley, reflecting ongoing internal disputes within the party.

Kachikwu is aligned with the Kingsley faction, which had approached a federal high court in Abuja seeking to stop the Mark-led group from holding the convention.

The leadership crisis is also before the Supreme Court, which has scheduled April 22 to hear an appeal filed by Mark in response to a suit by the Bala faction challenging his position as party leader.