By Franklin Adole
Fresh divisions have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections, as the faction led by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, adopted him as its sole presidential candidate while South-West stakeholders endorsed Mohammed Hayatu-Deen ahead of the party’s presidential primary.
Kachikwu’s adoption was announced on Sunday at the ADC National Convention held at A-Class, Abuja, by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee and Benue State party chairman, Elias Adikwu. Delegates at the convention subsequently ratified the decision.
The newly elected National Chairman of the faction, Abdulkadir Mohammed Bashir, later presented Kachikwu with the party’s flag as a symbol of his mandate for the 2027 presidential election.
The convention also produced a new National Working Committee (NWC), including Kingsley Oggah as Board of Trustees Chairman, Johnny Tovie Derek as Deputy National Chairman, Kennedy O. Odion as National Secretary, Dr. Joe Aroh as National Treasurer, Chief Amirigoye as National Financial Secretary, Dr. Chris Ugwu as National Legal Adviser, and Patrick Ambut as National Chief Whip.
The development comes amid a lingering leadership crisis within the ADC following the emergence of a rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark.
Recall that the Mark-led faction held its own national convention in Abuja on 14 April 2026, where delegates amended the party’s constitution and elected Mark as substantive National Chairman despite internal disputes and legal battles.
That convention reportedly attracted over 1,000 delegates and several high-profile political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as part of a broader opposition coalition seeking to challenge the ruling APC in 2027.
The Mark faction also expelled factional chairman Nafiu Bala, alongside Rep. Leke Abejide and other members, over alleged anti-party activities linked to court actions against the party leadership.
Meanwhile, South-West ADC stakeholders have thrown their weight behind Hayatu-Deen’s presidential ambition ahead of Monday’s primary election.
The endorsement was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Babajide Dosunmu after consultations with party stakeholders, youth leaders, professionals, and mobilisation groups across the region.
Dosunmu described Hayatu-Deen as the aspirant best equipped to reposition Nigeria and address worsening economic and governance challenges.
“The South-West has always stood for progressive politics, competent governance, intellectual depth, and economic transformation. Hayatu-Deen embodies the leadership Nigeria urgently requires presently,” he said.
According to him, Hayatu-Deen’s background in banking, economic management, public policy, and institutional leadership places him in a strong position to tackle unemployment, insecurity, declining investor confidence, and economic hardship.
“At a time millions struggle daily, businesses collapse, youths lose hope, and insecurity threatens stability, Nigeria requires competent leadership. Hayatu-Deen possesses those necessary qualities,” Dosunmu stated.
He also praised the aspirant for promoting internal accountability and adherence to the ADC Governance Principles and Code of Ethics, popularly known as “The Orange Book.”
“In a political culture lacking accountability, Hayatu-Deen has distinguished himself through integrity, issue-based engagement, and commitment to values-driven leadership,” he added.
Dosunmu urged delegates participating in Monday’s presidential primary to support Hayatu-Deen, describing him as ADC’s strongest national alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.