Kachikwu Slams ADC Hijackers, Hails Court Ruling

Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress(ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has launched a strong attack on what he described as “political buccaneers” attempting to take over the party structure, insisting the plot has been defeated following a recent court ruling on factional congresses.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Maitama, on Monday nullified the congresses and national convention held by the David Mark-led faction of the ADC.

The judge ruled that the exercises were “kangaroo congresses and convention” conducted without legal authority and declared all outcomes from them null and void. According to the court, the group that organised the convention lacked the locus to do so, creating a lacuna that invalidated the entire process.

The judgment affirmed the state chairmen of the ADC as members of the party’s National Executive Committee and the only organ empowered to conduct congresses and conventions. It further directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise the NEC constituted by the state chairmen and disregard the Mark-led group.

Reacting to the judgment, Kachikwu said the decision vindicated his long-standing warning that some individuals were bent on hijacking the party for selfish interests. “The ADC is not for sale. Those who tried to hijack our party have been shown the way out through the same back door they came in,” he said.

He mocked the alleged plotters, describing them as “desperados” whose attempt to seize control of the party collapsed under judicial scrutiny. “These desperados have failed woefully. We hear they are already shopping for other parties to destabilise. We wish them bon voyage,” he added.

Kachikwu urged party faithful to remain alert, stressing that the struggle for control of the party is not yet over. “The battle is not over until it is over. But one thing is clear: the ADC will be on the ballot, and it remains a ready home for Nigerians who genuinely want to salvage this country,” he stated.

He referenced ongoing judicial proceedings presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, noting that further clarity is expected once the process is concluded.

He reiterated that his movement is driven not by coalition interests but by the need for a “fundamental reset” of Nigeria’s political direction.

For his part, the chairman of the state chairmen, Kingsley Ogga, hailed the court judgment and insisted that their labour will never be in vain.