By Helen Udo,Abuj-NIGERIA.
Youths Accuse Opposition Figures of Plotting to Hijack ADC, Insist Party Won’t Be Used to Return Old Politicians to Power
The Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has firmly rejected a proposed coalition of opposition parties led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, ex-governors Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola. The coalition aims to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, ADC Youth Spokesperson Musa Matara criticized what he described as an attempted hijack of the party by “expired politicians” who were responsible for Nigeria’s past failures.
Matara was reacting to reports from Wednesday’s meeting where a faction of the ADC, led by Raph Nwosu, allegedly handed over the party’s leadership to the opposition coalition. According to those reports, David Mark was announced as interim national chairman, with Aregbesola appointed as secretary.
Rejecting the development, Matara stated:
“The party’s structure cannot be handed over to a coalition of old politicians who contributed to the country’s decline. These are the same people who destroyed Nigeria’s governance in the past, and now they want to hijack our platform.”
He dismissed claims that all ADC executives had resigned, calling the announcement by Raph Nwosu illegitimate.
“Who appointed the interim national chairman and secretary? Was it the National Executive Committee or the National Working Committee? We, the youths and core members of ADC, are still fully in the party and will not allow any backdoor takeover.”
Matara further emphasized that the ADC is a party built on ideology and integrity, and would not become a vehicle for political recycling.
“They are welcome to join our party if they believe in our vision, but they cannot impose themselves or take control from behind the scenes,” he said.
Earlier, the DAILY POST reported that Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, also condemned the emergence of David Mark as factional interim chairman, describing it as “a disservice to Nigerians.”
Kachikwu accused the coalition of plotting to return Atiku Abubakar to power in 2027 under the guise of an opposition alliance, warning that the move undermines genuine reform and democratic renewal.
