By Erewunmi Peace

Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has made a startling allegation, claiming that some state chairmen of the party are being offered as much as ₦20 million to resign from their positions. According to Kachikwu, this is part of a coordinated effort by a political coalition allegedly led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to hijack the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kachikwu, in a statement widely reported by Nigerian media, described the move as a desperate attempt by the coalition to weaken existing parties and manipulate their platforms for personal political gain.

“They’re offering ₦20 million each to our state chairmen to resign. This is not a merger. This is a takeover,” Kachikwu said.

He warned that the plot is not about rescuing Nigeria, but rather about repositioning certain individuals within the political elite, particularly from the North, to return to power. He described the coalition’s members as “political jobbers” who failed to secure relevance in their original parties and are now seeking to exploit the ADC’s existing national structure.

The allegations come days after the announcement of a “rescue coalition” comprising over 20 political parties, aiming to provide an alternative platform ahead of the 2027 elections. While the group has not officially responded to Kachikwu’s claims, political observers say the accusation underscores the growing tension within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

Kachikwu urged ADC members to resist any financial inducement, emphasizing that the future of the party should not be sold for temporary gain.

“If any of our members accept such offers, they are selling the future of Nigeria,” he added.

As of the time of reporting, neither Atiku Abubakar nor his media team has issued a public response to the allegations.