Tensions Rise: ADC Heavyweight Blasts Kachikwu’s Coalition Gambit

A prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano State, Abdullahi Umar, has strongly criticized the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, over his recent threat to take legal action against the party and its alliance with other opposition groups.

Umar, who previously contested for a seat in the House of Representatives representing Tarauni Federal Constituency, dismissed Kachikwu’s comments as “ridiculous”, asserting that he holds no legitimate influence or authority within the party’s structure.

Speaking to journalists in Kano on Friday, Umar clarified that Kachikwu is neither a member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) nor the National Executive Committee (NEC), and therefore, lacks the standing to make binding decisions for the ADC.

“I find it absurd and comical that a former presidential candidate with no real stake in the party claims to be a key player,” Umar said. “What stake is Kachikwu referring to? He holds no position in either the NWC or the NEC.”

He went on to describe Kachikwu as an opportunist who was never truly committed to the party’s ideology or goals.

“He didn’t conduct a serious campaign or engage in broad consultations like credible candidates do. He was never a party loyalist — just a pretender,” Umar stated.

‘Kachikwu is Just a Political Jobber’

Umar accused Kachikwu of working to undermine the ADC from within, possibly on behalf of external political interests.

“He has no political weight and has consistently tried to create discord in the party. During the elections, he was constantly at odds with ADC leadership. He is not and has never been one of us,” he added.

Comparing Kachikwu’s claim to “laying hold of a mat without land to spread it,” Umar said the former candidate lacks foundational ties to the party and is simply trying to stay relevant.

He stressed that the ADC remains committed to positioning itself as a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating:

“The APC is clearly rattled. Nigerians are rallying around the ADC as a credible force for change. We won’t allow our party to be distracted or destabilised like the PDP or Labour Party.”

Umar warned that any efforts by Kachikwu to act as a stooge or mole for the APC would be resisted.

“The ADC is here to provide real and effective opposition. Anyone hoping to hijack our party for selfish purposes will fail,” he declared.

He called on Nigerians to stay alert and not fall for the antics of what he termed “political saboteurs” bent on derailing democracy.

“We must stand against those who align with the oppressors. The ADC is focused on building the Nigeria of our dreams,” he concluded.