The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has assured state chairmen of the party of their full inclusion in the opposition coalition being formed to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

This assurance was given on Thursday during a high-level strategy meeting held at Mark’s Abuja residence. The meeting was attended by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), 37 state chairmen including that of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and other key stakeholders.

The gathering comes amid controversy and internal tensions within the party, following accusations by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, who, along with some party members, alleged that Mark and the Interim National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, were imposed on the party’s leadership. Kachikwu further accused the interim leadership of plotting to remove some state chairmen.

Addressing the controversy, ADC Interim National Spokesman, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, dispelled the allegations and reaffirmed the NWC’s commitment to working collaboratively with the state chairmen.

“We invited all the state chairmen to reassure them that we have no intention to push them aside. We’re here to work together as partners to build a stronger political party,” Abdullahi said.

He dismissed Kachikwu’s opposition to the coalition, stating that the former presidential candidate holds no official position in the party. “A presidential candidate is not an officer of the party,” Abdullahi noted. “We are on solid legal ground. If anyone has evidence that we violated the party’s constitution, we welcome such a challenge.”

Kogi State ADC Chairman and Chairman of the ADC Forum, Kingsley Ogga, confirmed that the leadership transition and coalition plans had been consultative and inclusive. “We have been part of this process for nearly three years. Everything was done in deliberation with us,” he said.

Also speaking during the meeting, former Minister of Interior and Interim National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, called for unity among party members, urging them to set aside personal interests for the greater goal of defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We must unite,” Aregbesola said. “We still have time, but there is a big task ahead. If we are united, we cannot be defeated.”

According to Aregbesola, the ADC is building momentum with the support of prominent opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The coalition meeting was also attended by other notable political figures such as former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, retired General Tunde Ogbeha, and former PDP spokesperson Kola Ologbondiyan.