Controversy As Atiku Accused of Taking Control of ADC

Atiku Accused of Taking Control of ADC, Party Denies Allegations.
Claims include financial influence and dominance over key leadership positions.
ADC denies takeover, vows equal opportunity for all aspirants in 2027.

Insiders within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) claim former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has gained significant control over the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 elections, sidelining other coalition members such as former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to Punch, sources allege Atiku financed a strategic takeover of the party to position himself as the main challenger to President Bola Tinubu. They claim over 70% of the ADC’s national, zonal, and state structures are now loyal to Atiku, with leadership changes reportedly planned in states resisting his influence.

One insider alleged that Atiku’s team offered substantial financial incentives to secure cooperation from key members, adding that several of his strategists have formally joined the ADC. “If Atiku is not contesting, which I believe he will, he will still decide what happens within the ADC,” the source said. They also claimed Obi’s influence is minimal, with his only National Working Committee (NWC) nomination being the National Organising Secretary out of over 25 members.

However, ADC interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, strongly refuted the allegations. He maintained that the party remains united with its coalition partners and is committed to giving all aspirants a level playing field.

Atiku Control of ADC — Atiku Taking Control of ADC

“The ADC is not loyal to any individual and has not been taken over. Every stakeholder is carried along, and the party’s structure belongs to all members equally,” Abdullahi said, stressing that the coalition’s focus is to unseat President Tinubu in 2027.