ADC Leadership Crisis Deepens as Kachikwu Rejects INEC’s Decision

The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has strongly criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognizing former Senate President David Mark as the national chairman of the party. Speaking on a live television programme, Kachikwu described the electoral body’s decision as “irresponsible” and an act that undermines ongoing legal proceedings.

Kachikwu argued that the recognition of the Mark-led faction was premature, noting that the courts were still set to deliberate on disputes involving the ADC leadership. He maintained that INEC’s action was a violation of due process and a sign of bias, which further eroded public trust in the commission’s leadership.

“The courts are sitting on our matter with David Mark and co next month, and Nigerians will see the rulings after the courts sit,” Kachikwu said, stressing that INEC should have respected the judicial process before issuing any recognition.

Nigeria’s Leadership Crisis and “Failed Nation” Debate

Beyond the ADC dispute, Kachikwu offered a broader critique of Nigeria’s political establishment, which he described as dominated by “recycled politicians” who have failed the nation. He lamented that Nigeria is increasingly seen as a failed state because those who once contributed to its decline continue to seek relevance under the guise of reform.

According to him, the coalition behind Mark’s leadership, comprising former governors, ministers, and party leaders, lacked the credibility to rescue the country. “These are people who cannot stay outside political office. They are not driven by service, but by personal interest,” he asserted.

Kachikwu questioned the wisdom of entrusting Nigeria’s future to the same political actors who, in his view, contributed to debt accumulation, poor infrastructure, and weak governance. He argued that younger generations of Nigerians possess the competence and vision needed to transform the country.

ADC Leadership Rift and INEC’s Defence

The controversy followed INEC’s formal listing of David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola, former Osun State governor, as national secretary of the ADC. The new leadership, unveiled on July 2, 2025, included several prominent opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, among others.

Reacting to Kachikwu’s claims, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi dismissed suggestions that a court order had restrained Mark and Aregbesola from acting in their new roles. He clarified that the Federal High Court in Abuja only directed the defendants to appear and defend themselves, with the matter adjourned to September 15.

Abdullahi accused Kachikwu and his supporters of spreading misinformation in a desperate bid to destabilize the party. “Having failed to stop INEC from acknowledging the leadership change in ADC, the political jobbers are now resorting to fake news,” he stated.

The rift within the ADC has highlighted broader tensions over political leadership, generational change, and the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. While Kachikwu insists that INEC acted irresponsibly and that recycled leaders cannot save the nation, the new leadership and its backers maintain they have the legitimacy and capacity to reposition the party. The unfolding court proceedings will determine not only the future of ADC but may also set a precedent for how internal party disputes are resolved in Nigeria’s political space.