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ADC not abandoning coalition, group intact, says Abdullahi

From The Punch · (4m ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denied reports that it is considering leaving its coalition to join the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
  • The party insists its coalition remains intact and is fully committed to ongoing political and legal battles, particularly concerning its leadership crisis.
  • The ADC is entangled in a protracted leadership dispute, leading to factionalism and legal confrontations, raising concerns for its preparedness for the 2027 elections.

Amidst a protracted leadership crisis, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has firmly refuted circulating rumors suggesting a potential defection from its current coalition to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC's National Publicity Secretary, issued a statement on Monday asserting that the party's coalition remains solid and fully dedicated to its existing political and legal engagements. This denial aims to quell speculation and reaffirm the party's commitment to its current alliances and ongoing legal challenges.

We would like to state categorically that this is not true.

— Bolaji AbdullahiDenying reports that the ADC is in talks with another political party.

The ADC has been embroiled in internal strife following the inauguration of a new National Working Committee in July, stemming from disagreements over the tenure of its former chairman, Ralph Nwosu. This dispute has escalated into factional battles for party control, resulting in multiple legal confrontations at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently removed key ADC figures from its register, citing a court order to maintain the status quo pending a final ruling. This internal turmoil has fragmented the party into at least three factions, casting a shadow over its readiness for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The coalition leadership is not having any such conversation with any political party at the moment.

— Bolaji AbdullahiReiterating that the ADC is not engaging in discussions for defection.

From the perspective of the ADC leadership, particularly the faction led by National Chairman David Mark, the focus remains on resolving the internal crisis and reversing the actions taken by INEC. The party views the rumors of defection as speculative and premature, potentially designed to distract from their core objectives. The statement emphasizes their commitment to their coalition partners and their ongoing legal efforts to regain full control and legitimacy. This internal struggle is a critical issue for Nigerian political parties, where leadership disputes can significantly impact electoral prospects and party stability. The ADC's situation exemplifies the challenges many parties face in maintaining unity and strategic direction amidst internal power plays and legal battles, especially as the next election cycle approaches.

We are fully committed to en

— Bolaji AbdullahiStating the party's commitment to its current engagements.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.