Abuja, Nigeria: The African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction led by newly elected National Chairman Alhaji Abdulkadir Mohammed Bashir has elected Dumebi Kachikwu as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. Kachikwu previously flew the party's flag as its presidential candidate in 2023.
The decision was announced by Elias Adikwu, the Electoral Committee Chairman and Benue State party chairman, following a ratification by delegates at a national convention held in Abuja on Sunday.
During the convention, the faction also elected new members to its National Working Committee (NWC). Following his official adoption, Bashir presented Kachikwu with the party’s flag, symbolizing his mandate for the upcoming election.
In his acceptance speech, Kachikwu focused his message on the Nigerian populace, defining the "common man" as the average citizen distinct from the socio-economic and sociocultural elite.
"The common man is a title most of us will bear at some point in our lives, and for some of their lives, the majority of our population bear this affiliation," Kachikwu stated. "It is because of them I stand before you today to say I accept your nomination to be the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress."
Acknowledging the current socio-economic hardships facing the country, Kachikwu emphasized resilience and the need for structural leadership changes.
"The realities of our existence today in Nigeria are well known to us all... I’m here today to tell you that even though our leaders have navigated us to the precipice of disaster, we can still reverse it," he said. He added that standard grievances are no longer sufficient, noting, "I’m very clear that I must be in the driver’s seat to make the changes needed in Aso Villa. I understand that mourning and complaining are not enough."
The development highlights ongoing internal divisions within the political party. The ADC is currently split into three distinct factions: one led by former Senate President David Mark, another by former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, and the third led by Bashir.