By Sandra Ugwu 

Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including David Mark, Atiku Abubakar and Rauf Aregbesola, have criticised President Bola Tinubu over worsening economic hardship and insecurity, warning that the 2027 general elections will not be an easy contest for the ruling administration.

The opposition figures spoke at the party’s national convention held in Abuja on Tuesday, where they accused the current government of presiding over rising poverty, deepening insecurity and growing national division. The event attracted prominent political figures, including Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, who also expressed concern over the country’s direction.

Mark, who leads the party’s National Working Committee, said the ADC was emerging as a credible alternative, stressing that Nigerians were increasingly demanding accountable leadership. He maintained that the party would prioritise inclusiveness, rule of law and improved welfare for citizens.

Aregbesola called on Tinubu to resign, arguing that the administration had failed to address key challenges facing the country. He warned that there would be no automatic victory in 2027 and urged Nigerians to defend democratic values.

Atiku also faulted the government’s performance, alleging declines across critical sectors such as the economy, security, education and infrastructure, while expressing confidence that opposition forces would bring about change. Obi emphasised the need for unity, warning that continued division could worsen the country’s situation, while Amaechi accused the administration of undermining democratic principles and prioritising personal interests.

Despite the show of strength at the convention, the party remains divided, with a faction led by Nafiu Bala rejecting the gathering and describing it as illegitimate. The faction insisted it would hold its own convention after the conclusion of ongoing court cases.

The crisis within the ADC stems from disputes over leadership succession following the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, which has resulted in multiple factions and prolonged legal battles. The situation was further complicated after the Independent National Electoral Commission delisted some party leaders, including Mark and Aregbesola, in compliance with a court order pending the resolution of the dispute.

Currently, the party is split into three factions, one aligned with Mark, another with Nafiu Gombe and a third backed by former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has fixed April 22, 2026, for the hearing of an appeal filed by Mark challenging earlier rulings on the leadership dispute, with an accelerated process ordered due to the proximity of the 2027 elections. A Federal High Court in Abuja has also directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of the case, as efforts continue to resolve the internal crisis threatening the party’s cohesion.