The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been plunged into a deep crisis following a controversial coalition spearheaded by former Senate President, Senator David Mark. State chairmen of the party have vehemently denounced the alliance, characterizing it as a brazen attempt to subvert both the party’s internal democratic processes and Nigeria’s wider democratic norms. This strong condemnation underscores the severity of the internal divisions within the ADC and raises concerns about the future trajectory of the party. The chairmen have accused the Mark-led coalition of orchestrating a political coup aimed at seizing control of the ADC through manipulative tactics and backdoor dealings, essentially bypassing established party procedures and undermining the legitimacy of the party’s leadership structure.
The state chairmen’s statement, titled “Rejecting the Political Junta by Defending ADC and Nigeria’s Democracy Against Subversion,” articulates their profound disapproval of the coalition’s actions. They argue that the coalition’s attempt to take over the party represents a grave assault on democratic values and principles. By employing such strong language as “political coup” and “junta,” the chairmen highlight the perceived severity of the situation and their determination to resist what they see as an undemocratic power grab. They accuse the coalition of prioritizing personal ambition over the party’s well-being and the broader interests of Nigerian democracy. The chairmen have framed the coalition’s actions not merely as a political realignment but as a calculated attempt to seize power through illegitimate means. This characterization underscores their belief that the coalition represents a threat to the very foundations of democratic governance within the party and potentially within the nation.
The chairmen’s statement further alleges that the coalition is attempting to fracture the democratic process within the ADC through inducements and manipulations. They argue that this undermines the integrity of the party and erodes the trust of its members. The chairmen reiterate the ADC’s commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and peaceful political engagement. This serves as a direct rebuke to the coalition’s alleged actions and a reaffirmation of the party’s core values. They emphasize that the ADC is not a platform for political opportunism or individuals lacking in ideological clarity. This serves as a veiled accusation that the coalition members are primarily driven by self-interest and lack a genuine commitment to the party’s principles.
Challenging the coalition’s legitimacy, the chairmen question the group’s electoral worth and ideological clarity. This suggests that they see the coalition as a group of individuals with questionable political credentials seeking to exploit the ADC for personal gain. By questioning their electoral value, the chairmen imply that the coalition lacks genuine popular support and represents a threat to the party’s electoral prospects. The statement strongly asserts that the ADC is not for sale and is not a dumping ground for discredited political figures. This reflects the chairmen’s determination to protect the party from what they perceive as opportunistic individuals seeking to exploit it for personal gain.
The state chairmen have also called upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject any attempts to legitimize the coalition’s takeover bid. This highlights their belief that the coalition’s actions are not only undemocratic but also potentially illegal. By appealing to INEC, the chairmen seek external validation of their position and an official intervention to prevent what they see as a subversion of the democratic process. They also call upon Nigerian citizens and civil society organizations to resist what they term “creeping authoritarianism.” This broad appeal suggests that the chairmen view the coalition’s actions as a threat not only to the ADC but also to the wider democratic landscape in Nigeria.
Furthermore, the chairmen have urged law enforcement agencies to investigate the coalition’s alleged attempts to destabilize the party. This demonstrates their intent to pursue legal avenues to challenge the coalition’s actions and hold them accountable for any unlawful activities. They assert their legitimacy as the custodians of the ADC structure across all states, rejecting the coalition’s claim to authority. This underscores their belief that the coalition lacks the legal and democratic basis to assume control of the party. The statement concludes by reiterating the chairmen’s commitment to defending the ADC and protecting the sanctity of democratic structures in Nigeria. This emphasizes their resolve to resist the coalition’s takeover attempt and uphold democratic principles within the party and the country at large. The strong language used throughout the statement reflects the deep divisions within the ADC and the high stakes involved in this power struggle.
