Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused key opposition figures including Peter Obi, of rethinking their participation in the newly established ADC-led coalition. He alleged that the coalition’s structure was deliberately designed to serve Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambitions for 2027 prompting Obi and others to reconsider their commitment.

Kachikwu criticized what he called the “hijacking” of the ADC by political elites:

“The whole ADC structure is being packaged for the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar… Peter Obi now understands this… he’s looking in other directions. Other aspirants also realise this is a vehicle for Atiku’s ambition.”

Kachikwu’s broader critique extended to coalition leaders, whom he described as “enemies of Nigeria” and accused them of forming a “gang of desperate politicians unable to survive outside political office.” He warned that the coalition represented recycled leadership rather than genuine reform.

ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi denied factionalism within the party, asserting that no crisis or leadership vacuum exists. He reaffirmed the coalition’s legal legitimacy and stated that Peter Obi and other members remain aligned with ADC’s vision, pending in-between election protocols.

Former Senate President David Mark, now interim ADC chairman, also emphasized that no presidential candiate has been endorsed, calling the coalition a platform for inclusive opposition, not individual ambition.