Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has cautioned members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to urgently rally behind a strong candidate, warning that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not willingly relinquish power to the opposition.
Amaechi, who spoke on Tuesday at the party’s national convention in Abuja, said the ADC must overcome its internal divisions and present a credible alternative if it hopes to challenge the ruling government.
He criticised the current administration over rising insecurity, killings, and kidnappings across the country, urging opposition figures to unite in confronting what he described as a troubling political climate.
“ADC must decide on a viable candidate. President Tinubu will not give us power,” Amaechi said, questioning actions he believes undermine democratic freedoms, including alleged attempts to restrict political gatherings.
The former Rivers State governor also accused political leaders of prioritising personal gain over governance, expressing frustration over what he described as a lack of accountability.
Meanwhile, the convention was marked by major internal decisions, as the faction led by former Senate President David Mark announced the expulsion of several prominent members over alleged anti-party activities.
Those affected include factional national chairman Nafiu Bala and House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, alongside other party officials accused of undermining the party’s unity.
The move followed a motion raised and adopted by delegates at the convention, reflecting deepening divisions within the party.
The ADC continues to grapple with a leadership crisis, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s structure. The dispute has also spilled into the courts, with ongoing legal battles including proceedings at the Supreme Court seeking to resolve issues stemming from earlier rulings and actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The convention comes at a critical time for the opposition party as it prepares for future elections amid internal wrangling and external political pressure.