A prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress, Salihu Lukman, has urged former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and other influential party members to refrain from further destabilizing the party in their quest for control of its structures in Kaduna State. Lukman’s appeal, made in Abuja on Wednesday, emphasized the risk of party implosion if leaders continue to prioritize control of party platforms over building the organization ahead of the 2027 elections.
The warning comes amidst rising tensions following a recent move to replace former Senate President David Mark as national chairman of the ADC. Lukman expressed concern that instead of focusing on party development, members are fixated on dominating the party’s structures to advance their personal ambitions. He noted that this power struggle, which led to the bid to oust David Mark at the national level, is now manifesting in Kaduna, potentially weakening the opposition before the 2027 elections.
Lukman, formerly the Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, cautioned that the ongoing internal battles could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s stability and prospects in the upcoming elections. He emphasized the need for party leaders to prioritize building a strong, cohesive organization over personal interests and ambitions.
The African Democratic Congress is one of the major opposition parties in Nigeria, and its internal dynamics are being closely watched as the country approaches the 2027 elections. The party’s ability to present a unified front and capitalize on growing discontent with the ruling party will depend on its ability to manage internal conflicts and prioritize the interests of the organization over individual ambitions.
As the party navigates this critical period, Lukman’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation in the face of external challenges. The outcome of the internal power struggle and the party’s ability to regroup and refocus will have significant implications for the ADC’s prospects in the 2027 elections and beyond.
