Abuja: Former African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Mr Dumebi Kachikwu, has urged party actors to respect the rule of law, warning that violations could deepen the ADC crisis and undermine Nigeria’s democratic stability. Kachikwu, at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, said the ‘real ADC’ was proceeding with preparations for its national convention in line with legal provisions and in consultation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Kachikwu emphasized the importance of adhering to a Federal High Court order in Abuja, which directed parties involved in the dispute to maintain the ‘status quo ante bellum’ pending the determination of the case. He cautioned that any action contrary to the court’s directive would amount to a disregard for the rule of law. ‘Despite this order, the nation witnessed desperate politicians hold a convention in the name of the African Democratic Congress knowing same to have no locus before the law,’ he said.
Kachikwu highlighted that some actors within the party were engaging in ‘political gangsterism’, which could exacerbate political tensions in the country. He criticized certain individuals involved in the dispute for not offering constructive policy alternatives but instead focusing on attacking the Federal Government. The former ADC presidential candidate warned that Nigeria’s fragile security and economic situation required responsible political conduct, as prolonged insurgency and governance challenges had weakened national institutions.
He expressed concern that continued internal party disputes and political provocations could further strain national stability. Kachikwu insisted that the party would not be hijacked by any group, emphasizing that its internal processes remained guided by law and institutional procedures. ‘The real ADC is preparing for her convention and is doing so within the ambits of the law,’ he added.
Furthermore, Kachikwu urged President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts towards uniting the country, noting that Nigeria had yet to fully recover from the tensions of the last general election. He stressed the need for stronger leadership to mobilize citizens around shared national priorities, warning that failure to do so could deepen divisions. Kachikwu reaffirmed that the ADC remained committed to resolving its internal disputes through legal and democratic channels ahead of future elections, including the 2027 general elections.
On concerns over the party’s participation in future polls, Kachikwu expressed confidence that the courts would resolve all disputes in due course. ‘We are optimistic that the courts will address the issues before us. We will continue to litigate to ensure that our candidates are on the ballot,’ he said. He dismissed claims linking the party’s internal crisis to external political influence, including suggestions of backing from the Presidency, describing such narratives as unfounded.
On the debate over court involvement in internal party matters, Kachikwu maintained that such disputes could not be treated as purely internal, warning that unchecked infiltration of political parties could undermine democratic processes. He added that the party remained confident of resolving its leadership and structural disputes through legal and institutional channels in the coming weeks.