Facing mounting legal challenges, leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are exploring a contingency plan: the registration of a new political platform—the Advanced Democratic Party (ADA).
Strategic Shift Amid Internal Disputes
The move to register ADA is seen as a response to internal threats within the ADC. Sources say a party member is threatening legal action to contest the recent takeover of ADC leadership by a coalition of political heavyweights.
ADA, already seeking registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was initially floated by disgruntled members from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other groups. These actors hope to use the platform to mount a challenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections.
Chief Akin Rickets currently serves as the interim leader of ADA, headquartered at the UAC Complex on Samuel Ademulegun Street, Central Business District, Abuja.
Confusion Over Party Name
Headlinenews.news had earlier reported the emergence of two associations using the acronym ADA. While the coalition-backed group is listed as number 109 in INEC’s log, another platform—Advanced Democratic Alliance (ADA)—is listed as number 110.
Dr. Umar Ardo, a key figure in the coalition, dismissed concerns over this duplication, asserting their group submitted its application earlier.
Legal Battle Over ADC Leadership
Former ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu has repeatedly opposed the coalition’s control over the party. A political analyst, Jideofor Adibe, recently claimed that the ruling APC may be backing Kachikwu’s resistance to disrupt ADC’s progress ahead of 2027.
In a related development, three ADC members—Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila—have filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja. They are seeking to nullify Senator David Mark’s position as interim chairman, arguing that the transition to the coalition leaders contravened an existing court judgment.
However, the coalition insists all legal procedures were observed prior to their assumption of leadership. The ADC state chairmen also declared their support for David Mark’s leadership during a meeting held on July 11.
Hon. Kingsley Ogga, chair of the ADC State Chairmen Forum and Kogi State party leader, reaffirmed this backing, stating there is no faction within the party.
The ADC has also reportedly assembled 97 lawyers to defend its case in court.
Coalition Eyes Alternative Platform
Sources close to the coalition hinted at ongoing talks to formally register another party. “We know what the ruling party is capable of. That’s why we’re working on a Plan B,” one source said.
Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s national publicity secretary, confirmed the coalition is still pursuing ADA’s registration but declined to label it a fallback option.
“We won’t abandon ADA. We are still on it,” Abdullahi stated, denying the existence of factions within the party.
“Some people talk about factions. But a faction, technically, only exists if members of the NEC go rogue—which isn’t the case here,” he added.
He emphasized the growing public interest in the party:
“We’re encouraged by the enthusiasm so far. Compared to where ADC was before July 1, we’ve seen significant growth in branding, recognition, and acceptability.”
Amaechi Resigns from APC
Meanwhile, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi has formally resigned from the APC. In a letter dated July 1, 2025, addressed to the APC Ward 8 chairman in Ubima, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers State, Amaechi cited his commitment to “rescue Nigeria from the failure and pain symbolised by the APC.”
He said the APC had strayed from its founding ideals and no longer inspired hope for Nigeria’s future.
Northern Leaders Back ADC as Regional Platform
On Saturday, northern political stakeholders under the National Political Consultative Group (North) formally adopted ADC as their political vehicle for the 2027 elections.
Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and chairman of NPCG (North), made the announcement during the group’s third expanded meeting at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
Lawal said the decision followed submissions from all 19 northern states, indicating a broad consensus to embrace ADC as a regional platform. He accused President Tinubu’s administration of neglecting the North’s development needs.
“The current government is not concerned about our region—whether it’s infrastructure, peace, or security,” he stated.
Lawal insisted that the North must unite to elect leaders who prioritize its interests. He confirmed that ADC and NPCG will back whoever emerges as presidential candidate, regardless of regional origin.
“Votes Will Count in 2027″ – Babachir Lawal
Lawal also vowed that ADC would resist any attempt by the ruling party to rig the 2027 elections.
“Forget the fear that votes won’t count. They will. Whatever tactics the APC employs, we’ll defeat them,” he asserted.
David Mark: “Time for Peace in the North”
ADC interim national chairman Senator David Mark echoed the call for unity in the North, lamenting the region’s prolonged insecurity.
Speaking at the NPCG plenary, Mark described the security crisis as self-inflicted and urged a return to community-based solutions like the former **Native Authority policing system.
“Too much blood has been shed. We must choose peace over vengeance and unity over division,” he said.
Mark urged northern leaders to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure as tools for regional healing and advancement.
APC Group Dismisses Coalition as Power-Seeking Retirees
In reaction, the APC Advocacy and Appeasement Group criticised the ADC-led coalition, calling it a gathering of “former officeholders seeking relevance.”
Dr. Gambo Iggi, the group’s convener, praised President Tinubu’s achievements in areas like student loans, infrastructure, and civil service reform. He blamed Nigeria’s current economic woes on past administrations, which he said were now rallying under the ADC banner.
Iggi revealed the group had submitted a proposal titled Presidential Taskforce on Poverty, Indiscipline and Indisposed Public Awareness (PTF-PIIPA) to support the President’s policies, but said efforts to present it directly to Tinubu have been unsuccessful.
He urged the administration to strengthen grassroots delivery of its Renewed Hope agenda to build public trust ahead of the next election.
