President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of attempting to take control of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid the party’s lingering leadership crisis.

Speaking on Thursday at the State House while receiving a delegation of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, the President alleged that the internal wrangling within the ADC stemmed from efforts by Atiku to “privatise” the party.

Tinubu also took a swipe at Atiku’s record as former chairman of Nigeria’s privatisation council, questioning the outcomes of key assets transferred to private hands during that period.

According to him, “The head (Atiku) chaired the privatisation council. He privatised the steel industry in Delta; is it working today? He privatised Ajaokuta; is it working today? I can go on. Now they want to privatise a political party, but the owner said no.”

The ADC has been embroiled in a deepening leadership crisis since July 2025, when an opposition coalition assumed control of the party’s structure. The development triggered multiple factions, with competing claims to leadership.

Currently, the party is split into three camps led by former Senate President David Mark, ex-deputy national chairman Nafiu Bala, and Ogga Kingsley.

The crisis took a legal turn when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) derecognised the factions led by Mark and Bala, following an interim ruling by the Court of Appeal.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear an appeal on April 22, filed by Mark, challenging the suit instituted by Bala’s faction over the legitimacy of his leadership.

Further complicating matters, a faction of the party in Adamawa State recently announced the suspension of Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of fueling disunity within the ADC.

The unfolding developments have heightened political tensions ahead of future electoral contests, as opposition realignments continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.