ADC Chieftains Decry Alleged Illegal Takeover by David Mark-led Junta, Defend Party Structure
- The African Democratic Congress's state chairmen decried an alleged 'orchestrated political coup' led by a coalition headed by former senate president David Mark
- The concerned ADC state chairmen sent a powerful message to the Independent National Electoral Commission over an alleged illegitimate leadership change in the party
- The party's state chairmen perceive the attempted takeover as an insult to those who believe in and have worked towards democratic governance in Nigeria
The African Democratic Congress's state chairmen have strongly denounced an alleged 'orchestrated political coup' led by a coalition headed by Senator David Mark, describing the move as a 'blatant and reckless subversion' of the party and Nigeria's democratic standards.
Source: UGC
This was disclosed in a press statement made available to Legit.ng on Tuesday, August 5.
The statement titled "Rejecting the Political Junta by Defending ADC and Nigeria’s Democracy Against Subversion” was addressed to the coalition group over an alleged takeover of the party through unconstitutional means.
According to the statement, the concerned party chieftains were led by Hon. Amb. Elias Adokwu and Publicity Secretary Hon. Godwin Alaku.
The statement reads,
“We unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms this desperate power grab, which represents not only an aberration of democratic norms but also a grave assault on our collective political values as a nation."
The chairmen contend that this action isn't about reshaping political ideology, but rather a 'civilian junta' attempting to gain control through means outside of established legal and democratic channels.
They cite a warning from one of the coalition's key figures related to the 2011 elections, saying, “if peaceful change is not possible, violent change is inevitable,” as proof of an emerging notorious mindset now.
“It is only by the grace of God that our democracy survived then, and we must not allow such reckless adventurism to thrive now,” the statement warns.
ADC chairmen slam attempted takeover of party's structure
The ADC's state chairmen perceive the attempted takeover as an insult to everyone who believes in and has worked towards democratic governance in Nigeria.
They argued that the coalition’s sole aim is to fracture the democratic process using selfish ambition and extra-party inducements.
The statement revealed that the chieftains disown the coalition, ordering the figures involved in it to form a party that aligns with their agenda, stating the ADC is not meant for hijacking or sale.
The chieftains challenged the coalition movement to outline their contribution to Nigeria's democracy.
Chieftains task INEC to reject leadership change
The concerned state chairmen called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject any illegitimate leadership change. They also appeal to Nigeria's public and civil society to watch and counter this 'rising authoritarian trend', and insist that law enforcement probe any unlawful efforts to destabilise the political order.
“We, the legitimate custodians of the ADC structure across all states of the federation, reject this illegitimate junta.
“We consider it our patriotic duty to defend the soul of the ADC and protect the sanctity of democratic structures in Nigeria,” the statement concludes.
The press release also addresses baseless allegations by former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, dismissing them as a “desperate attempt to salvage his political reputation.”
Source: Twitter
Peter Obi defends coalition decision
Legit.ng also reported that Peter Obi explained why he joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, spoke during an interview with Channels on Sunday, July 6, 2025, which was monitored by Legit.ng.
Obi defended his decision to join the ADC coalition, despite previously representing the Labour Party.
Source: Legit.ng
