Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has emerged as the factional presidential candidate of the party for the 2027 general election under the leadership of Alhaji Abdulkkadir Mohammed Bashir.
Kachikwu’s emergence was confirmed during a national convention held in Abuja on Sunday, where delegates of the faction unanimously adopted him as the party’s flag bearer. The announcement was made by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee and Benue State ADC Chairman, Elias Adikwu, who stated that the decision had been ratified by party delegates present at the convention.
During the event, Bashir, who was also elected as the faction’s National Chairman, officially presented Kachikwu with the ADC flag as a symbol of his nomination and mandate ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Other members of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, were equally elected during the convention.
Speaking shortly after accepting the nomination, Kachikwu expressed appreciation to members of the faction for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the party into the next presidential election. He said his ambition was driven by the desire to improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians, whom he described as the “common man.”
According to him, the common man represents the average Nigerian who is often excluded from the country’s political and socio-economic elite class. He noted that a large percentage of Nigerians fall into this category at different points in their lives, stressing that their struggles and aspirations inspired his decision to accept the nomination.
Kachikwu acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the country, including economic hardship, insecurity, and poor leadership, but maintained that Nigeria could still recover from its current situation. He accused political leaders of failing the people through unfulfilled promises and poor governance, while insisting that hope for national transformation still exists.
He further stated that meaningful change would require active leadership and decisive action rather than complaints or despair. Kachikwu added that he was prepared to take responsibility and provide the direction needed to move the country forward if given the opportunity to lead.
The ADC has recently been embroiled in internal divisions, leading to the emergence of multiple factions within the party. DAILY POST reports that the party is currently split into three major groups.
One faction is reportedly aligned with former Senate President David Mark, while another is led by former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe. The latest faction is now under the leadership of Bashir, which has adopted Kachikwu as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
