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By Lawrence Agbo
The State Chairmen Forum of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, while backing the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from both groups.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the forum’s representative and Abia State chairman, Don Obinna, accused the factions of attempting to “hijack” the party from its original members, insisting that their actions are not binding on the ADC.
Obinna also dismissed claims surrounding Bala’s position, stating that he has never held the office of deputy national chairman, while reaffirming that former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu remains a bona fide member of the party.
The forum described Kachikwu’s reported expulsion by the Mark-led group as “an act of desperation taken too far”, adding that the ADC is not for sale and should not be controlled by political elites.
“We disassociate the ADC from David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Bolaji Abdullahi, Prof. Osunbor and all members of the so-called coalition who attempted to hijack our party and state that all actions taken by them in the name of the ADC are not binding on the ADC,” Obinna said.
“We disassociate the ADC from the claims of Nafiu Gombe and firmly and unequivocally state that he has never held the position of deputy chairman of the ADC.
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“The ADC remains a party of and for all Nigerians and not just for former political office holders and the elites. The ADC is also not for sale.
“The people who have called themselves the coalition have no democratic credentials and are only interested in a power grab, as evidenced by the way and manner in which they attempted to hijack our party and throw out the original members.
“We affirm that our former presidential candidate, Mr Dumebi Kachikwu, is a committed and bona fide member of our party whose purported expulsion by the David Mark-led group was an act of desperation taken too far.”
Backing INEC’s stance, the chairmen said the commission acted in line with the law and the March 12 Court of Appeal ruling, which prompted it to disengage from both factions pending the resolution of the dispute in court.
To stabilise the party, the forum announced the formation of an interim committee to oversee its affairs until a national convention is held.
Members of the committee include Ogga Kingsley (acting chairman), Odion Kennedy (secretary), Muhammad Jidda (deputy chairman), Kabiru Hussaini (assistant secretary), Charles Omidji (national organising secretary), Johnny Derek (deputy organising secretary), Stella Chukwuma (treasurer), Obinna (publicity secretary), and Samuel Gyang (financial secretary).
