Dumebi Kachikwu Criticises INEC Over Recognition of David Mark as ADC National Chairman

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has described the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recognition of former Senator David Mark as the party’s National Chairman as “irresponsible.” The statement was made on Thursday during the Politics Today programme on Channels Television, drawing attention to the ongoing leadership tussle within the ADC.

INEC Recognition Sparks Controversy

The PUNCH reports that INEC officially recognised David Mark as the National Chairman of the ADC on Wednesday, alongside Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary and Dr Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer. The recognition has intensified a protracted dispute within the party, which has seen rival factions contest leadership positions for months.

Kachikwu argued that the new leadership is on “borrowed time”, emphasising that INEC’s decision, signed off by outgoing INEC Chairman Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, failed to respect ongoing court proceedings concerning the party’s internal elections.

“Nigerians as a whole know that the David Mark-led faction of the ADC is on borrowed time. What we saw from the INEC chairman yesterday was another irresponsible act from the outgoing chairman of INEC,” Kachikwu said.

He stressed that it is customary for INEC to exercise caution when cases are sub judice. “It is a norm that when you have cases that are in court, you respect those cases, and you shouldn’t do anything that will affect the outcomes of those cases. The courts are sitting on our matter with David Mark and co next month, and Nigerians will see the rulings after the courts sit,” he added.

Criticism of Coalition Politics

Beyond the dispute within the ADC, Kachikwu also expressed scepticism about the political coalition associated with the Mark-led faction. He claimed that the coalition offers nothing new to Nigerians, pointing out that many of its members are former government officials who he says failed to provide effective leadership during their tenure.

“If they had leadership that we could look to and say these guys did well for Nigeria, Nigerians today would not be complaining. Nigerians today will not be saying that this country is a failed nation, but the reason why they are saying that Nigeria is a failed nation is because these guys all failed,” Kachikwu said.

He further accused the coalition of being driven by self-interest rather than national development. “So, what are they trying to do? Which nation are they trying to rebuild? A nation that they destroyed? Absolutely not! These guys are people who cannot stay outside of political office, who don’t have anything that they do for a living, and the only thing they need to do is to come back to political office so that they can start feathering their nest again and taking care of their friends and family,” Kachikwu added.

Call for a New Generation of Leadership

When asked whether he would join forces with the Mark-led ADC to strengthen opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, Kachikwu rejected the notion, advocating for a generational shift in Nigerian politics.

“Are you saying that my generation, your generation, the generation after us, don’t have anything worthwhile to offer in service to the fatherland? I believe we have Nigerians who have got what it takes to save this country,” he stated.

Kachikwu’s comments underline ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition parties, reflecting broader challenges in building cohesive political structures capable of presenting credible alternatives to the ruling government. Analysts suggest that disputes such as this could affect the unity and electoral prospects of smaller parties in upcoming elections, unless mediated swiftly and transparently.

Akahi News gathered that the ADC leadership crisis remains unresolved, with court rulings expected to clarify the legality of David Mark’s chairmanship and determine the path forward for the party’s internal governance.

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