ADC Crisis Deepens After Primaries In Ogun, Katsina, Others

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is battling post-primary crises in several states following allegations of irregularities, parallel exercises and the emergence of rival candidates.

According to Punch, findings showed that disputes have trailed the party’s nomination exercises in states including Ogun, Kano, Katsina, Benue and Adamawa.

Some aggrieved aspirants who lost out in the primaries have also threatened to leave the party for rival platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The crisis had earlier forced a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, to resign from the ADC.

Lawal alleged that the party’s presidential primary was manipulated in favour of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

Party stakeholders fear that the growing disputes could weaken the ADC’s electoral chances and undermine efforts to present a united front before the polls.

Ogun Produces Rival Candidates

In Ogun State, two factions of the party each produced a separate governorship candidate.

A faction loyal to the state leadership under Emmanuel Famojuro declared a Canada-based artificial intelligence expert, Dr Biodun Ogundipe, winner of the governorship primary.

Another faction loyal to the leadership of Femi Soluade announced Jimi Lawal, a former aide to ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as the party’s candidate.

Both politicians are still laying claim to the ticket, raising the possibility of litigation unless the national leadership intervenes.

One of the governorship aspirants in Ogun, Marie Odusina, has faulted the conduct of the primary.

He alleged that the exercise was secretive, poorly managed, undemocratic and riddled with irregularities.

A top aide to Odusina, who spoke anonymously, said the aspirant was already considering joining the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

“Dr Odusina is not actually happy with the way the governorship primary was handled. It was obviously organised to favour a predetermined candidate. We are already planning to dump ADC for NDC; that much I can say,” the aide said.

Katsina Factions Clash

In Katsina State, two factions also produced rival governorship candidates.

A faction led by Musa Wamba adopted Salisu Uli as the governorship candidate through consensus.

Another faction under Mohammed Rimi endorsed former senator, Ahmed Kaita.

Supporters of both aspirants have accused each other of illegitimacy, with each camp insisting that its candidate emerged through the recognised party structure.