No Sectional Politics in ADC, Says Abdullahi as Party Denies Kachikwu’s Allegations

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly denied allegations that it is advancing a northern political agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections. The rebuttal comes weeks after Dumebi Kachikwu, a former presidential candidate of the party, accused the ADC of being part of a plot to return political power to Nigeria’s northern region.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the claims as baseless and politically motivated. Abdullahi, a former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, criticised Kachikwu for making what he called “ridiculous” assertions, urging him to “be ashamed” of such divisive rhetoric.

“From the onset, we have made it clear that the ADC is neither a party of the North nor of the South, neither a party for Muslims nor Christians, nor a party exclusively for old or young people,” Abdullahi stated. “It is a party designed deliberately to develop and build the kind of future Nigeria desires.”

Clarifying the Party’s National Character

Abdullahi stressed that the ADC’s leadership structure and membership base reflect a broad national spread, contrary to claims of ethnic or regional bias. He noted that many key figures within the party hail from the southern part of the country, making it impossible to brand the ADC as an exclusively northern political platform.

According to him, the party’s focus is on uniting Nigerians across all divides and providing a credible alternative to the ruling party and other opposition groups. He argued that those peddling the “northern agenda” narrative were attempting to sow seeds of discord ahead of a crucial election cycle.

“The ADC was deliberately designed to be inclusive,” Abdullahi reiterated. “Our goal is to transcend sectional politics and create a viable pathway for genuine national development.”

Response to Alleged Political Sabotage

The ADC spokesman also alleged that certain elements within the political space — including actors aligned with the government — were deliberately trying to cause divisions within the opposition coalition. He suggested that the attacks on the party’s integrity were part of a wider strategy to weaken its influence before 2027.

“We are aware of these moves, and we are working diligently to counter them,” Abdullahi said. “The idea is to distract us from the real issues facing Nigeria, but we will not fall into that trap.”

Abdullahi emphasised that the ADC remains committed to issue-based politics and the promotion of a democratic culture that prioritises competence, transparency, and inclusivity over ethnic or religious affiliations.

ADC Coalition Chieftain Disowns Kachikwu’s Comments

Also appearing on the Sunday Politics programme, a chieftain of the opposition coalition, Mani Ibrahim, dismissed Kachikwu’s remarks as irrelevant, insisting the former ADC presidential candidate had no standing to speak on the party’s behalf.

“I think it is good to understand that Dumebi Kachikwu is not a member of our party,” Ibrahim stated. “He does not represent the ADC and has no authority to make pronouncements on its behalf.” Ibrahim, who once served as Chairman of the ADC’s Board of Trustees, urged Nigerians to focus on the coalition’s mission rather than on what he described as “distractions from political outsiders.”

He further assured party supporters that the African Democratic Congress remains firmly committed to the coalition’s objectives and will not be derailed by speculative or inflammatory statements.

ADC Looking Ahead to 2027

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the African Democratic Congress’s leadership is keen to present itself as a credible alternative capable of addressing Nigeria’s political, economic, and social challenges. The party’s adoption by the broader opposition coalition has placed it in the national spotlight, attracting both interest and criticism from political actors.

Party leaders maintain that the ADC’s vision is anchored on unity, equitable development, and strong democratic values. While allegations of a “northern agenda” may have stirred public debate, the party insists it will stay focused on policies that resonate with Nigerians across all regions.

As Abdullahi summed up during the televised interview: “The African Democratic Congress’s commitment is to Nigeria — not to any ethnic bloc, not to any religious group, and not to any sectional interest. That is the message we will take to the people as we prepare for 2027.”