ADC crisis: Kachikwu faults convention, says it’s ‘political gangsterism’

MaTaZ ArIsInG
Dallas, Texas

Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the party’s recent national convention, describing it as “political gangsterism” and a violation of a subsisting court order.

Addressing a press briefing in Abuja, Kachikwu said a Federal High Court had, on April 14, 2026, directed parties in the ongoing leadership dispute to maintain ‘status quo ante bellum’, effectively halting any congresses or conventions until the matter is resolved.

“Yesterday, the 14th of April, 2026, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order. The order said maintain status quo ante bellum. This means no congresses or conventions until the matter before the court is adjudicated,” he said.

Despite the order, he alleged that a faction of the party went ahead with a convention, saying, “Despite this order, the nation witnessed these desperate politicians hold a convention in the name of the African Democratic Congress, knowing same to have no locus before the law. Can men who continue to flout court orders mean well for the ADC or Nigeria? The simple answer is no.”

Kachikwu accused the group of pursuing a destabilising agenda, warning that their actions could undermine national stability.

“They have one agenda and one agenda only, and that is to instigate a complete breakdown of law and order in the country through political gangsterism. Their mission statement is if we can’t have it, no one else can.

“They would rather terrorists or the military take over Nigeria than for anyone else to govern this country, and they don’t pretend about this,” he said.

The former candidate also criticised the tone and substance of speeches delivered at the convention, describing them as lacking policy direction.

“What we all witnessed yesterday was a blame game show. Nowhere in that whole show of shame did you hear any of them offer one suggestion on what they would do better or differently. Isn’t the job of the opposition to counter arguments and proposals?

“These political merchants are not only clueless but also bereft of ideas, he noted.

Kachikwu drew parallels with past political developments, warning against repeating what he described as previous mistakes.

“The same way they gathered a mob in 2014/2015 to say give us Buhari, today, these Pharisees have regrouped to say give us Atiku, give us Obi,” he said.

He went on to criticise key opposition figures, alleging inaction on critical national issues, noting, “Former Vice President Atiku has done absolutely nothing to address the daily killing of innocent Nigerians.

“What of former Governor Peter Obi? A man who commands a lot of popularity has not deemed it fit to call his kinsmen together to resolve their issues.”

Kachikwu, however, warned that political actors were “playing politics with the blood of innocent Nigerians,” insisting that their pursuit of power could have wider consequences.

“Nigeria is fragile; this nation is breaking at the seams and can no longer afford institutional sabotage.

“You should note that this mob you seek to instigate into anarchy may also consume you and your families,” Kachikwu warned.

He maintained that attempts to take over the party would fail, insisting that the “real ADC” remains committed to due process.

“They will never succeed in taking over the ADC or using the ADC as a platform to prosecute their political vendettas. The real ADC is preparing for her convention and is doing so within the ambit of the law,” pointed out.

Kachikwu also addressed President Bola Tinubu, urging him to focus on national cohesion and leadership.

“President Tinubu, you have failed to unite Nigeria after a bitterly contested and disputed election.

“You are a wartime president. Until you do this, our enemies will continue to take advantage of our differences.

“You may have won the war, but you certainly haven’t won the peace,” he said.

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