ADC convention: Mark, Atiku, Aregbesola fault Tinubu over hardship, insecurity

Leaders of the African Democratic Congress on Tuesday launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing worsening insecurity and economic hardship, even as the party’s internal crisis deepened with rival factions rejecting its national convention.

 

Speaking at the ADC national convention themed “So That Nigeria May Work,” former Senate President and embattled National Chairman, David Mark, alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and other party figures, declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress would face a tough contest in the 2027 general elections.

 

Mark said attempts to weaken the party had only strengthened its resolve, insisting that the ADC remained a credible alternative for Nigerians.

 

“You have not weakened us; you have welded us together. Every attempt to suppress this party has only deepened the resolve of our members,” he said, adding that “a strong opposition is not optional; it is essential to democracy’s survival.”

 

He stressed that the party would be guided by internal discipline and rule of law, noting that “no member, no matter how highly placed, will be bigger than the party.”

 

Aregbesola, in a more direct attack, said the current level of hardship and insecurity should ordinarily compel the President to step down.

 

“Ordinarily… an honest president should simply step down and not seek re-election,” he said, describing the situation in the country as dire and warning against what he called a desperate attempt to retain power.

 

He added, “There will be no coronation in 2027.”

 

Also speaking, Atiku accused the current administration of presiding over a collapse in key sectors.

 

“Our economy is gone, our sovereignty is gone, our security is gone, our education is gone,” he said, vowing that the opposition would push for “genuine change.”

 

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who was also present, warned that Nigeria was becoming increasingly divided under the current leadership.

 

“The country is so divided… your country is collapsing, and if you allow it to go further, it will be worse,” he said.

 

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, also criticised the administration, alleging misuse of state institutions.

 

“They are using the institutions of government against the people of Nigeria… the situation is bad,” he said.

 

Despite the show of strength, the convention was rejected by a rival faction of the party led by Nafiu Bala, which described the gathering as “a mockery” and insisted it would hold its own convention after the Supreme Court ruling on the leadership dispute.

 

The ADC has been embroiled in a prolonged crisis since 2025, with multiple factions laying claim to its leadership, including groups aligned with Mark, Bala Gombe, and a bloc linked to Dumebi Kachikwu.

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier delisted some party leaders from its portal following a court order, further complicating the leadership tussle.

 

Amid the legal battles, over 3,000 delegates at the Abuja convention endorsed the Mark-led National Working Committee and adopted a revised party constitution and manifesto.

 

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has fixed April 22 to hear an appeal filed by Mark challenging earlier court rulings on the crisis, while a Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned related proceedings pending the apex court’s decision.

 

Justice Emeka Nwite held that proceeding with the matter while the issue of jurisdiction is before the Supreme Court “would not serve any purpose,” directing parties to await the outcome.

 

With the party now split across factions and legal disputes, concerns persist over the ADC’s cohesion and readiness ahead of the 2027 elections, despite its renewed push to position itself as a viable opposition force.