A major internal political shake-up has emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as a faction of the party announced the dissolution of the David Mark-led leadership structure and declared support for Dumebi Kachikwu as its preferred presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development marks a fresh wave of tension within the opposition party, coming amid ongoing disputes over leadership control, legitimacy, and the direction of the party’s national strategy. The move directly affects the standing of former Senate President David Mark, who had been associated with a leadership structure within the party’s national framework.

PDP Declares Adebutu Consensus Candidate For Ogun Governorship Election

The announcement was made by the breakaway faction, which claimed that the existing leadership had lost legitimacy and no longer reflected the will of party stakeholders. The group further insisted that a new direction was necessary to reposition the ADC ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 election cycle.

PDP Declares Adebutu Consensus Candidate For Ogun Governorship Election

The internal crisis escalated as the faction formally declared the dissolution of the David Mark-led leadership arrangement, stating that it no longer represented the interests of the party at both national and grassroots levels. The group argued that the ADC required restructuring to restore unity and credibility.

In the same declaration, the faction endorsed Dumebi Kachikwu as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, describing him as a figure capable of revitalizing the party’s national appeal and strengthening its electoral competitiveness. Kachikwu’s endorsement signals a significant realignment within the party’s internal power structure.

Observers note that the African Democratic Congress has experienced recurring internal disputes in recent years, often centered on leadership legitimacy and control of party machinery. This latest development adds to the growing list of factional disagreements that have shaped the party’s political trajectory.

The faction’s decision to disband the existing leadership structure led by David Mark is expected to trigger further reactions from other party blocs, some of which may reject the announcement as unconstitutional or procedurally invalid. Party leadership disputes in Nigeria often escalate into legal battles or parallel executive structures, particularly in the lead-up to national elections.

Political analysts suggest that the endorsement of Dumebi Kachikwu could either strengthen the party’s visibility or deepen internal fragmentation, depending on how other factions respond. While Kachikwu has been actively involved in party politics, the extent of his backing within the broader ADC structure remains a subject of debate.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to monitor developments closely, especially if the leadership dispute leads to parallel claims of party control or candidate nomination authority. Such situations have historically created complications in candidate recognition and ballot access in Nigeria’s electoral system.

As the 2027 elections approach, opposition parties are increasingly under pressure to consolidate internal unity and present a coherent front against dominant political forces. However, the ADC’s latest internal breakdown suggests that achieving such cohesion may remain a significant challenge.

The unfolding situation is likely to shape the party’s legal, political, and organizational direction in the coming months, as stakeholders attempt to resolve competing claims of leadership and legitimacy.