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Insiders within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have claimed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is shaping the internal structure of the party while the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is said to be struggling for influence.
The sources told Punch that Atiku financed efforts to take control of the party as a platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
A party source disclosed that most of the ADC’s state chapters, zonal bodies, and national leadership were now largely aligned with Atiku.
A trusted insider within the ADC coalition disclosed that Atiku’s allies who joined the party early have effectively seized control of the coalition.
He stated, “Over 70 per cent of the entire structure of the ADC has already been taken over by Atiku’s camp, largely because they joined the party early and have more resources.
“Members of key organs of the party, the NWC, Board of Trustees, state chapters, and others that will play a critical role in determining who becomes the party’s candidate in the next election are largely loyal to Atiku.
“In fact, in some states where the chairmen have refused to cooperate with Atiku’s group, there are ongoing efforts to forcefully implement leadership changes. These moves are aimed at ensuring that party decisions favour Atiku.
“As far as the ADC is concerned, Atiku is in charge, and many of his loyalists have taken over the structure ahead of his declaration or directive, as the case may be. Though Obi is still part of the coalition, he is struggling to catch up with Atiku’s moves.”
Another source said the situation did not come as a surprise, as Atiku funded the larger part of the takeover of ADC.
He stated, “From day one of the coalition, Atiku’s camp was ahead in the game. In fact, they made a huge amount of dollars available to persuade some ADC members to step aside and make way for the coalition leaders.
“So, it’s not surprising. That was the plan, and that is exactly what’s happening; they’ve taken over the structure. Atiku wouldn’t spend such massive resources and then fold his arms. Beyond the money, many of his loyalists and even strategists have joined the ADC. He’s clearly doing this for himself.
“If Atiku is not contesting, but I believe he will, he will still determine whatever happens within the ADC coalition. So, while Obi, Amaechi, and others are part of the ADC, they appear to be working for Atiku, directly or indirectly.
“Look at the Mark-led NWC, Obi only nominated the National Organising Secretary in the National Working Committee out of over 25 members of the NWC.”
However, speaking to the aforementioned public action, the ADC interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, refuted claims that Atiku had taken over the coalition.
He maintained that the ADC and its coalition partners remained united in their commitment to rescue Nigeria from President Tinubu and the APC.
Abdullahi assured that all aspirants would be given a level playing field and that the party was committed to a transparent process.
He stated, “All stakeholders are carried along in the ADC activities. The party is not loyal to anybody and has not been taken over by anyone. The National Organising Secretary was nominated by Peter Obi. This is the most powerful party position. So, every stakeholder is carried along.
“So, the structure of ADC, from the NWC to other structures, does not belong to Atiku or anyone. We are working alongside all our stakeholders equally to unseat President Tinubu in 2027.
“The ADC as a coalition platform is beyond 2027. We are united to rescue Nigerians from.”
The post Atiku Now In Control Of The ADC, Peter Obi, Amaechi Working For Him – Party Sources appeared first on Naija News.
