By Huldah Shado
Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused a group within a political coalition of attempting to hijack the party by offering ₦20 million to state chairmen to resign.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, Kachikwu described the group as a “political gang” driven by selfish interests.
He dismissed claims that he is a paid spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, calling the allegation baseless and a smear campaign by individuals “with no visible means of livelihood.”
Kachikwu specifically accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of masterminding the alleged power grab through proxies.
He cited Atiku’s history of opposing southern leadership, referencing his past rift with President Obasanjo and opposition to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
According to Kachikwu, Atiku is now manipulating former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, making him believe that only Atiku has the electoral strength in the North.
“If Atiku truly wants a better Nigeria, let him publicly declare that the presidency should remain in the South for another six years,” Kachikwu challenged.
He declared that the ADC is “not for sale” and “not an old people’s home,” describing the move as a “war of the old for the old,” which he insists has no place in a progressive platform like the ADC.
Kachikwu, who hails from Onicha-Ugbo in Delta State, said his identity as an Igbo man qualifies him to vie for the nation’s highest office.
He condemned what he termed a campaign of misinformation by “agents of destabilization” and vowed to resist any attempt to hijack the party for personal or political gain.
