ADC Crisis Deepens As Kachikwu Alleges ₦20m Bribe To State Chairmen, Rejects Alleged Hijack Attempt

ABUJA — Tension is mounting within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following startling claims by the party’s 2023 presidential flag bearer, Dumebi Kachikwu, that some state party chairmen are being offered ₦20 million each to resign their positions as part of a grand plan to hijack the party structure.

Kachikwu, speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, labeled the move as a self-serving scheme by a “political gang” whose aim is to use the ADC for personal gain.

“These people are offering huge sums of money—up to ₦20 million—to some state chairmen just to step down. This is clearly a plot to destabilise the ADC and force a takeover,” he said.

Kachikwu, who hails from Onicha Ugbo in Delta State, dismissed any notion that the presidency belongs to one region or group, insisting that every Nigerian has the right to aspire to lead the country.

He further accused unnamed political actors of staging fraudulent defection events, where paid individuals falsely claim to be joining the ADC in a bid to deceive the public.

He also refuted allegations that he was acting as a proxy for President Bola Tinubu, describing such claims as baseless and orchestrated by jobless political players.

In a veiled criticism of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Kachikwu alleged that efforts to hijack the ADC may be connected to Atiku’s refusal to support a southern presidency.

“If you truly believe in justice and equity, then step aside and support the South to lead for the next six years,” Kachikwu challenged.

He concluded with a strong warning: “The ADC is not for sale. We stand for fresh ideas, new leadership, and a better Nigeria.”

The crisis raises fresh questions about the party’s unity and direction as the 2027 general elections draw closer.