By Akpos Oje
A deepening crisis is brewing within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a major faction has strongly opposed a recent move by an opposition coalition to adopt the party as its political vehicle ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The backlash follows a high-profile meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, where prominent opposition figures—including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark—reportedly agreed to use the ADC as the base for a united front. Also present at the meeting were former governors Sule Lamido, Babangida Aliyu, Sam Egwu, Aminu Tambuwal, Liyel Imoke, and former PDP national chairman Uche Secondus.
After the meeting, the coalition announced the adoption of the ADC as its official platform, unveiling David Mark and former Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim national chairman and secretary, respectively. Former sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi was named spokesperson for the coalition.
But in a swift response, a faction of the ADC, led by National Publicity Secretary Musa Isa Matara, rejected the move, accusing unnamed individuals of attempting to hijack the party without due process.
In a strongly worded statement, Matara said, “The ADC is not a private coalition platform to be hijacked by political elites.”
He added that the decision to merge with the opposition coalition was taken without involving vital organs of the party, such as state executives, youth and women leaders, and grassroots coordinators.
“We warn those coming into the ADC as part of this imposed arrangement to tread carefully. Be mindful that some few individuals are attempting to sell out the soul of our party for personal gain,” he said.
“The ADC is not for sale. It belongs to its members, not political merchants or elite dealmakers.”
Matara expressed outrage that the coalition’s actions had not been sanctioned by the ADC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) or ratified through a national convention. He described the announcements made at the Abuja meeting as invalid and unrecognized by the legitimate leadership of the party.
“The claim that the ADC has become the ‘platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group’ is misleading,” the statement said.
“Our millions of members have not been informed or carried along in this so-called coalition. If anyone is attempting to force an opposition merger without grassroots consent, they are trampling on democratic ethics and party sovereignty.”
The faction further cautioned that the ADC remains embroiled in unresolved legal disputes stemming from the 2023 general elections—issues that, according to Matara, make the coalition’s plans legally precarious.
“Let it be known to those who are trooping into our party under this chaotic coalition arrangement that the ADC has been battling unresolved legal crises since the 2023 general elections,” the statement warned.
“These matters remain in court and unresolved. Any coalition attempt built on such shaky legal ground is irresponsible and potentially self-destructive.”
The crisis highlights growing internal resistance within the ADC, casting uncertainty over its role as the base of the newly proposed opposition alliance.
