Kwankwasiyya, Obi loyalists, Amaechi reject “northern dominance” claim; party crisis deepens
A fierce power struggle is unfolding within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as leading presidential hopefuls and their allies push back against claims of dominance by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections.
What began as a contest for party supremacy is fast spiralling into a full-blown internal clash—threatening cohesion within the emerging opposition coalition.
Atiku’s Claim Sparks Backlash
At the centre of the storm is Atiku’s assertion that he remains the most formidable vote-getter in Northern Nigeria—dismissing rivals such as Rabiu Kwankwaso, Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal as lacking comparable electoral strength.
The claim has drawn swift and coordinated rebuttals.
Supporters of Peter Obi and Kwankwaso insist Atiku’s past electoral success was largely driven by elite-backed party structures—not grassroots appeal.
A spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya Movement argued that Kwankwaso’s support base is “organic and enduring,” citing his performance under a relatively less-established political platform.
“Wherever he goes, the people follow—not the party machinery,” the group maintained.
Amaechi Fires Back
Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi also weighed in, questioning both the logic and implications of Atiku’s argument.
“If being from the North is the qualification, then let the North vote for him and the South should not,” Amaechi said pointedly.
He further challenged the credibility of Atiku’s voter base, asking why millions who allegedly supported him in 2023 have yet to register with the ADC.
Amaechi went a step further, positioning himself as the only truly “national candidate,” rejecting what he described as regional candidacies dominating the race.
Fence-Mending or Political Optics?
Amid the backlash, Atiku paid a visit to Kwankwaso in Abuja—a move widely interpreted as an attempt to ease tensions following his controversial remarks.
While details of the meeting remain private, the optics suggest a recognition of the need to maintain unity within the fragile coalition.
Jonathan Remark Triggers Outrage
The controversy deepened after Atiku described former President Goodluck Jonathan as “inexperienced”—a remark that drew sharp criticism.
Media figure Reuben Abati labeled the comment “arrogant and condescending,” noting that Jonathan had already achieved the presidency Atiku still seeks.
Former minister Femi Fani-Kayode echoed the sentiment, accusing Atiku of displaying “hubris” and attempting to rewrite history.
Civil society groups also defended Jonathan’s legacy, describing Atiku’s remarks as “mischievous” and dismissive of a tested leadership record.
ADC Crisis Deepens
Beyond personality clashes, the ADC itself is grappling with internal legitimacy battles.
Factional chairman Nafiu Bala and lawmaker Leke Abejide rejected a recent convention led by David Mark, calling it illegal and a violation of court orders.
They warned that actions taken in defiance of judicial rulings could be nullified—raising serious questions about the party’s readiness for 2027.
“Any resolution from that gathering is devoid of legal effect,” Bala declared.
Abejide was even more blunt, describing the event as a “suya convention” and accusing coalition figures of being “political merchants” bent on destabilising the party.
A Coalition Under Strain
With competing ambitions, legal disputes, and escalating rhetoric, the ADC’s coalition experiment is facing its toughest test yet.
Analysts warn that without swift reconciliation, the party risks fragmentation—potentially weakening its chances of mounting a credible challenge in the next general election.
For now, one thing is clear:
The battle for the ADC ticket has moved beyond strategy—into a high-stakes contest of influence, ego, and survival.
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