…Names Temitope as Interim Chair
The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) worsened on Tuesday, as a third faction loyal to former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu surfaced, backing the electoral Commission’s decision to withdraw recognition of rival party leaders.
At a briefing in Abuja, the group rejected both the David Mark-led executive and the Nafi’u Bala Gombe camp, describing their leadership claims as illegitimate. It announced Kogi State chairman, Kingsley Temitope, as Interim National Chairman, saying the move was necessary to “rescue” the party from exclusion in future elections.
The faction, comprising some state chairmen, also accused former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu of attempting to hand over the party structure to non-members, while commending INEC for distancing itself from the Mark-led leadership.
However, the Mark camp dismissed the development as opportunistic. Its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, insisted that only the courts can determine the party’s authentic leadership, while another official, Queen Okiyi, alleged the new group had been compromised and lacked authority.
Amid the turmoil, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said Nigeria’s democracy would not collapse if opposition parties like the ADC and PDP fail to meet electoral requirements to appear on the ballot.
In contrast, Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, warned that weakening opposition parties could push Nigeria toward dictatorship, urging judicial authorities to guard against rulings that may undermine democratic balance.
The escalating divisions highlight deepening instability within the ADC ahead of the next general elections.
