The Action Democratic Congress (ADC) is fighting for survival ahead of the 2027 elections, facing everything from leadership sackings to Supreme Court battles. TOYE FALEYE looks at the party’s chances as internal feuds threaten its future in the upcoming presidential election.
How Internal Rifts Began
The Action Democratic Congress (ADC) began with high hopes, attracting politicians and activists who wanted to create a new kind of opposition.
“We believed the ADC would unify our voices and offer Nigerians a true alternative,” recalls a founding member. But hopes faded as personal rivalries and constitutional disputes chipped away at the party’s foundation.
The party has gone through several congresses, competing leadership claims, and accusations of hostile takeovers. Founding members say the party’s constitution has been ignored, but rival groups argue they are within their rights.
Leadership Overhaul and Power Struggle
The crisis worsened when Chief Ralph Okey Kachikwu, acting as a factional leader, removed the David Mark-led executive.
Kachikwu accused the Mark-led team of mismanagement and said their leadership was not legitimate, declaring their time in office over.
This decision angered party loyalists, who saw it as a clear attempt to seize power. “It was a hostile takeover,” said one party elder, his face set with frustration at a recent meeting in Abuja. “The ADC has been hijacked by individuals who care more about control than democracy.”
Kachikwu defended his actions, saying the party needed “new leadership to restore credibility.” His group has tried to strengthen its position, but the removal only made the conflict worse, resulting in more parallel congresses and mixed messages.
Court Battles and Electoral Recognition
The dispute has reached the courts, with both sides seeking legal recognition. In April 2026, the Supreme Court heard appeals from the Mark faction and the Kachikwu-led group.
Earlier, the Federal High Court stopped INEC from recognizing congresses held by the disputed caretaker leadership. A political analyst warned, “If this crisis drags on, there’s a real risk that INEC will delist the ADC entirely—a move that would wipe it off the political map.”
Impact on Nigeria’s Opposition
The ongoing disputes have eroded people’s confidence in the ADC as a strong opposition party. “We simply can’t rely on them anymore,” said a Lagos-based youth activist who once campaigned for the party.
Many opposition figures are now turning to the Action Democratic Party (ADP), which is already talking to key politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to unite opposition groups against the ruling APC.
Many now view the ADC as a cautionary example in opposition politics. Rather than bringing various groups together, the party has splintered, while the ADP is gaining a reputation for stability and unity.
2027 Election Outlook
With the 2027 presidential election on the horizon, the ADC’s leadership divisions pose serious obstacles. Unless the party resolves its internal crisis and unites, it is unlikely to play a major role or mount an effective campaign.
If unity is not restored, the ADC may struggle to nominate a presidential candidate who appeals widely. Persistent divisions risk weakening the campaign, undermining voter confidence, and reducing the party’s electoral prospects.
If the party cannot show unity, voters and opposition leaders may move to more stable groups like the ADP or even smaller regional parties.
Should the infighting persist, the ADC may become a minor player with little influence on national debates or opposition strategy. At most, its story could become an example of decline, contrasting sharply with the ADP’s recent ascent.
From Factionalism to Marginalization
The ousting of the David Mark-led executive by Kachikwu illustrates the depth of factionalism within the ADC. Without decisive action to rebuild unity, the party risks fading into irrelevance in future elections.
Meanwhile, ADP and other parties are preparing to fill the gap, which could reshape Nigeria’s opposition before the 2027 elections.
Broader Effects on Major Parties
The turmoil within the ADC is sending shockwaves beyond its own ranks. For the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a fragmented opposition makes it easier to retain dominance as the 2027 elections draw closer.
A divided opposition means the APC faces fewer credible threats, allowing it to dominate national discourse and set the agenda with minimal resistance. “It’s like a football match where one team keeps scoring because the other side can’t even agree on a captain,” remarked political strategist Olumide Bada.
For the main opposition, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the ADC’s troubles bring both challenges and opportunities. Losing a potential coalition partner complicates efforts to present a united opposition front.
At the same time, the PDP could benefit by welcoming disillusioned ADC members and supporters into its fold.
Still, growing infighting among minor parties may split the opposition vote, making it harder for the PDP to mount a serious challenge to the APC.
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) appears poised to benefit most from the ADC’s struggles. By presenting itself as a stable alternative, the ADP is attracting key defectors and gathering support from dissatisfied opposition figures.
This shift is already changing the balance of power among non-APC parties and could reshape the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.
The newly formed Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) is also monitoring these shifts. “Every crisis is an opportunity,” said an NDC stalwart.
As a relatively small but ambitious party, the NDC hopes to appeal to those disillusioned by the ADC’s crisis and to position itself as a credible alternative.
The NDC has stepped up outreach efforts, presenting itself as a fresh, reform-minded choice within the increasingly divided opposition. If successful, the party could become a key player in coalition talks and negotiations before the 2027 elections.
Ultimately, the ADC’s internal turmoil reflects a wider trend of instability among Nigerian political parties. The consequences will affect not just individual politicians, but the health and competitiveness of Nigeria’s democracy as a whole.