Former ADC Presidential Candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, Blasts INEC Chairman for Recognising David Mark-led Leadership, Vows to Resist Hijack of Party by ‘Failed Politicians’
By Taiwo Olapade
Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, has described the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recognition of Senator David Mark and others as the new leadership of the party as “highly irresponsible,” citing ongoing court cases over the party’s leadership tussle.
Kachikwu said one of Nigeria’s greatest mistakes was allowing the outgoing INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to remain in office, stressing that he would never permit “failed politicians” to hijack the ADC.
Speaking on Politics Today with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television, Kachikwu dismissed claims by some political figures that they intended to “rescue Nigeria” through the ADC, saying such individuals ruined the country during their time in government. He vowed never to collaborate with them, even if he chooses to contest the 2027 presidential election.
“The likes of Senator David Mark and his co-travellers cannot rescue a country they helped destroy and set on fire,” Kachikwu declared. “They have nothing outside politics to feed on, which is why they are desperate to return to power.”
He questioned why leaders such as David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Rotimi Amaechi could not attempt to reform the country through their former political platforms but were instead desperate to take over the ADC for selfish reasons.
Kachikwu warned that Nigerians’ silence was being taken for granted, cautioning that if the political class failed to change course, the nation could witness unrest worse than recent events in Nepal.
He also pointed out that Hon. Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives from Kogi State, is in court over the same ADC leadership tussle, further underlining the unresolved crisis.
According to him, those scheming to take over the ADC have collectively ruled the country for nearly 30 years but have “absolutely nothing to offer.” He urged Nigerians to stop playing the “siddon look” game and instead rise to take responsibility, warning that unless citizens act, “these same set of people will continue to dominate and control the political space.”
Kachikwu dismissed allegations that he was working for President Bola Tinubu, saying his critics were missing the point.
He concluded by expressing pity for Nigerian youths, lamenting that their future has been mortgaged by greedy and selfish politicians. “Enough is enough,” he said.
