Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognising former Senate President David Mark as the party’s national chairman.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Kachikwu described the move as an “irresponsible act” by the outgoing INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu.
“Nigerians as a whole know that the David Mark-led faction of the ADC is on borrowed time. What we saw from the INEC chairman yesterday was another irresponsible act from the outgoing chairman of INEC,” Kachikwu stated.
On Wednesday, INEC officially listed David Mark as ADC National Chairman, with Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary and Dr. Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer.
Kachikwu, however, argued that the recognition was premature since the leadership tussle involving Mark was already before the courts.
“It is a norm that when you have cases in court, you respect those cases and avoid anything that will affect their outcomes. The courts are sitting on our matter with David Mark and co next month, and Nigerians will see the rulings,” he added.
The former presidential hopeful also criticised the coalition supporting Mark, accusing them of recycling failed politicians.
“If they had leadership that we could look to and say these guys did well for Nigeria, Nigerians today would not be complaining. Nigerians are saying this country is a failed nation because these guys all failed. Which nation are they trying to rebuild? A nation they destroyed? Absolutely not! These are people who cannot survive outside politics,” he said.
When asked if he would consider working with the Mark-led ADC to strengthen the opposition ahead of 2027, Kachikwu firmly rejected the idea.
“Are you saying that my generation, your generation, and the generation after us don’t have anything worthwhile to offer in service to the fatherland? I believe we have Nigerians who have what it takes to save this country,” he concluded.
