Fresh controversy has erupted within the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of its anticipated presidential primary in Abuja, as supporters of the party’s Senator David Mark-led leadership called for security agencies to take action against businessman and politician, Dumebi Kachikwu, over claims of alleged impersonation of party leadership.
In a strongly worded statement circulated on Monday, allies of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola urged the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to intervene in the lingering leadership dispute within the ADC.
The group alleged that Kachikwu and some of his associates were unlawfully presenting themselves as leaders of the opposition party despite court rulings recognizing the leadership headed by David Mark.
According to the statement, several media reports suggesting a deepening crisis in the ADC and claims that Kachikwu had emerged as a presidential candidate were described as misleading and politically motivated.
The group accused some media organizations of amplifying narratives capable of creating confusion within the opposition party and overheating the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supporters of the Mark-led leadership insisted that the Supreme Court had earlier affirmed the authenticity of the current ADC leadership structure. They referenced an April 2026 judgment which they claimed directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the David Mark-led executives.
The statement further alleged that previous attempts to destabilize the party through internal factions had failed, adding that the latest controversy involving Kachikwu was another effort to create division within the ADC.
The group also maintained that Kachikwu was no longer a member of the party, alleging that he had earlier been suspended over anti-party activities.
They further cited separate rulings by the Federal High Court dismissing cases filed against the current ADC leadership on grounds relating to the party’s internal affairs.
The statement concluded with criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and warned against actions capable of weakening Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ADC presidential primary is expected to attract national attention as opposition parties continue consultations and realignments ahead of the next general election cycle.
