BREAKING: Crisis rocks ADC as faction rejects coalition with Atiku, David Mark

Tensions have erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a significant faction vehemently opposes its adoption as a political platform by an opposition coalition.

In a statement released by Musa Isa Matara, the faction’s national publicity secretary, the group criticized what it termed as the ADC being treated as a “private coalition platform” for political elites. Matara expressed outrage over the unilateral decision, highlighting the lack of consultation with key stakeholders such as state executives, youth, women leaders, and ward coordinators.

“We caution those entering the ADC under this imposed arrangement to proceed with caution. Certain individuals are attempting to compromise our party for personal gain,” the statement warned.

Matara emphasized that the ADC belongs to its members and not to political opportunists or elite negotiators.

The backlash follows a meeting in Abuja where an opposition coalition, including prominent figures like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark, agreed to utilize the ADC as their united platform. The coalition named David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim national chairman and secretary, respectively, with former sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi serving as spokesperson.

Responding to these developments, Matara reiterated the party leadership’s lack of prior knowledge and reaffirmed their rejection of what he described as an “imposed arrangement.” He emphasized that the appointments made at the meeting hold no validity, lacking endorsement from the ADC’s National Executive Committee or a national convention.

“The assertion that the ADC is now the ‘platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group’ is misleading,” Matara asserted.

He stated by highlighting ongoing legal disputes from the 2023 elections, underscoring the irresponsibility and potential pitfalls of forging alliances without grassroots consent.

“Our party’s unresolved legal issues must be respected. Any coalition built under such precarious legal circumstances risks further instability,”Msoatara added.