Dumebi Kachikwu Claims Peter Obi Plans to Exit ADC, Alleges Atiku’s Takeover Plot

On Sunday, July 20, 2025, Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), claimed on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics that Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, is considering leaving the ADC coalition due to its alleged manipulation to favor former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential ambition. Obi, who joined opposition figures like former Kaduna Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to launch the ADC coalition in early July to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC), announced his 2027 presidential bid just two days later while still holding Labour Party membership. Kachikwu, who has consistently accused Atiku and other opposition politicians of hijacking the ADC, asserted that the coalition’s structure is being orchestrated to serve Atiku’s interests, sidelining other aspirants like Obi. He claimed Obi has recognized this and is exploring other options, describing the coalition as a “vehicle for Atiku Abubakar’s ambition” rather than a genuine alliance.

Kachikwu vowed to prevent the ADC from being used for what he termed “class exploitation” by entrenched political leaders, emphasizing that the party will not be a tool for Atiku’s presidential bid. He committed to educating Nigerians about their political power to counter such maneuvers, insisting that the 2027 election should prioritize fresh leadership over established figures. Kachikwu’s remarks highlight ongoing tensions within the ADC, as he continues to challenge the influence of prominent defectors like Atiku, El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark, who are accused of undermining the party’s democratic processes to advance personal agendas.