A fresh crisis on Tuesday engulfed the African Democratic Congress as a faction within the party issued a strongly worded rebuttal to Bolaji Abdullahi, rejecting his claims to the position of National Publicity Secretary and accusing him of attempting a “failed takeover.”
In a statement signed by Christopher Okechuku, who identified himself as Director of Media and Public Affairs of the “authentic ADC,” the group described Abdullahi’s recent remarks as “a bundle of falsehoods” and “a confession of a failed conspiracy.”
Okechuku questioned Abdullahi’s legitimacy within the party, challenging him to clarify his membership status.
“You ask Nigerians to take you seriously as a spokesman for the ADC, yet you cannot honestly answer a simple question: when did you officially register as a member of this party?” he said.
“The ADC was built by genuine progressives, not political mercenaries who arrive when they smell opportunity.”
The statement also dismissed claims allegedly made by Abdullahi that Bola Tinubu was plotting to impose leadership on the party, describing the assertion as baseless.
“If President Tinubu is supporting the restoration of constitutional order within the party, then it simply shows respect for the rule of law,” Okechuku stated.
“Your attempt to drag the presidency into your internal crisis is a cheap ploy to play the victim.”
The faction further accused Abdullahi and his associates of undermining the party’s constitution in pursuit of power, insisting that due process must be followed in any leadership transition.
“The ADC Constitution does not provide for a takeover by a cabal of newcomers. Your actions expose a clear ignorance of the rules governing the party,” the statement added.
Okechuku also alleged that some state party chairmen who initially aligned with Abdullahi had been abandoned after being used to advance what he described as an illegitimate agenda.
“You lured some state chairmen with promises, only to dump them without compensation. Their roles have now been taken over by new collaborators, many of whom are not even legitimate members,” he claimed.
The statement further criticised the composition of Abdullahi’s alleged camp, accusing it of being populated by politicians with questionable records.
“The ADC is not a dumping ground for disgraced politicians seeking image rehabilitation. We reject this alliance of individuals with a history of plunder,” Okechuku said.
Reaffirming the position of his faction, Okechuku maintained that the party’s structure remains intact under what he described as its legitimate leadership.
“Your attempt to hijack the ADC has failed because it was built on lies, constitutional breaches and greed.
“The ADC is not for sale, nor is it for rent to political jobbers,” he concluded.
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