The year 2027 looms large as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) finds itself embroiled in a power struggle that threatens to shape its future. What began as a legal dispute over party structures has evolved into a battle for legitimacy and political leverage.
In the heart of Abuja, the Court of Appeal witnessed a dramatic scene as lawyers and party officials gathered to decide the fate of the ADC. The question on everyone's lips: who truly holds the reins of power within this emerging political force?
The dispute revolves around the control of state structures, a battle that goes beyond mere party offices. It's a fight for the very soul of the ADC, a party that has transformed from a political outsider to a potential challenger of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Courtroom Drama
On the surface, the appeal centers on a constitutional dispute. David Mark, the party's National Chairman, and Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary, are challenging a Federal High Court ruling that upheld the authority of state chairmen. The court ruled that the National Working Committee had overstepped its bounds by dissolving elected state executives.
However, beneath this legal battle lies a deeper struggle for political dominance. Political parties are built on structures, and in Nigerian politics, control of the grassroots often translates to control of the party. The state structures are the lifeblood of any political organization, responsible for recruitment, mobilization, and ultimately, candidate selection.
A Contest for Legitimacy
One senior opposition figure involved in the coalition's internal consultations shed light on the real stakes. "It's not about the party's name or logo," they said. "It's about the structures that produce state officers and ultimately decide who represents the party in 2027. That's where the real power lies."
This perspective highlights the strategic importance of the state structures. They are the machinery that keeps the party running, organizing congresses, and shaping the political landscape. Control of these structures means control over the party's future.
The Rise of the ADC
The ADC's journey is a remarkable one. Once a peripheral player in Nigeria's political landscape, it has become the vehicle for a formidable opposition coalition. Leading opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and David Mark, saw the ADC as the quickest route to building a broad alliance.
However, this rapid transformation has exposed a practical challenge. How do new entrants reshape an existing party without alienating its founding members? This question lies at the heart of the current dispute.
Two Camps, Two Narratives
Former ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu argues that the coalition overstepped its bounds by dismantling elected structures. He sees the court's ruling as a defense of internal democracy, stating, "The ADC is not for sale." Kachikwu believes that political reform must begin with respect for the party's constitution.
On the other side, David Mark's supporters argue that the restructuring was a necessary step to accommodate new members and integrate diverse interests. They see it as a practical necessity, not a hostile takeover, to prepare the ADC for its role as a credible national platform.
The Legal Puzzle
The appeal is just one piece of a complex legal puzzle. The ADC has become the focus of multiple court cases, each addressing a different aspect of its internal crisis. This has created a confusing landscape for supporters, with both camps claiming victory after each ruling.
The state chairmen rely on the Federal High Court's ruling that the National Working Committee lacked the authority to dissolve elected executives. Meanwhile, Mark's supporters point to a separate decision that affirmed the legitimacy of the national leadership.
Beyond the Courtroom
Experienced politicians are cautious about dismissing this crisis as a routine leadership quarrel. They've witnessed similar dramas, such as the Peoples Democratic Party's years of litigation after losing power in 2015. The lesson is clear: winning public sympathy is one thing, but building a durable political institution is a whole different challenge.
Opposition coalitions often form around a common goal: challenging the government. But once the initial excitement fades, tougher questions arise. Who controls the party machinery? How are old members balanced with powerful newcomers? These questions, while not glamorous, are crucial to the coalition's survival.
The ADC has reached this critical juncture. The coming weeks will not only reveal the outcome of the appeal but also test the party's ability to unite its factions. Court victories may settle legal disputes, but they rarely bridge political divides.
Nigeria's democracy relies on competitive elections and credible political parties offering genuine alternatives. When opposition parties are mired in internal struggles, the political conversation suffers, and voters are left with limited choices.
The APC, the ruling party, understands this dynamic. Every week the opposition spends on internal litigation is a week the APC can use to strengthen its structures and prepare for the next electoral contest. Organization is a key strength of the ruling party, and the ADC must navigate this challenge carefully.
A Test of Trust
The courtroom is just one battleground. The real test lies in the party's ability to convince its members that constitutional order and political expansion can coexist. It must demonstrate that a coalition of diverse traditions and personalities can unite under a common goal.
The Appeal Court's judgment will be a significant milestone, but it won't provide all the answers. The true test will be in the choices the ADC makes long after the judges have rendered their verdict. Can this coalition, which seeks the trust of the Nigerian people, first foster trust among its own members?
The answer to this question will define the ADC's future and its role in Nigeria's political landscape.
