The former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Dumebi Kachikwu, has explained why the just-concluded Congresses and National Convention of the opposition party led by the ex-senate president’s leadership are illegal.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Kachikwu said a Federal High Court in Abuja had, on April 14, 2026, ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum in a suit involving ADC state chairmen and the opposing faction. He explained that the order effectively barred the conduct of any congresses or national conventions pending the determination of the case.
Despite the court directive, he alleged that the Mark-led ADC went ahead to organize a convention under the party’s name, an action he described as unlawful and destabilizing.
Kachikwu questioned the intentions of the organizers, arguing that individuals who disregard court orders could not be acting in the interest of either the ADC or Nigeria. He accused them of attempting to provoke disorder within the political system, insisting their actions were aimed at undermining both the party and democratic institutions.
According to him, the convention was marked by criticism of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), without offering alternative policies or solutions. He argued that a credible opposition should focus on presenting ideas and policy options rather than engaging in rhetoric.
He warned that Nigeria’s fragile state, weakened by insecurity, economic strain, and corruption, could not withstand further political destabilization. He also cautioned that attempts to incite unrest could have far-reaching consequences, even for those allegedly behind such moves.
Kachikwu added that the “real ADC” would proceed with its activities, including its convention, strictly within the confines of the law.
“The order said to maintain the status quo ante bellum. This means no congresses or conventions until the matter before the court is adjudicated.
“Can men who continue to flout court orders mean well for the ADC or Nigeria? The simple answer is no.”
“They have one agenda and one agenda only, and that is to instigate a complete breakdown of law and order in the country through political gangsterism,” he said.
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