According to a report by Punch on Sunday, May 24, 2026, a faction within the African Democratic Congress loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu has announced a major overhaul of the party’s leadership structure and confirmed him as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The decisions were taken at a factional national convention held on Sunday in Abuja, where delegates endorsed Kachikwu through a voice vote as the group’s preferred flag bearer.
In the same sitting, the faction moved to dissolve the party’s existing National Working Committee, effectively resetting its leadership hierarchy.
After the dissolution, a new set of party officials was unveiled to take charge of administrative and organisational duties.
The reshuffled leadership includes Kingsley Oggah as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Abdulkadir Bashir as National Chairman, Johnny Derek as National Secretary, Kennedy O. Odion as National Treasurer, and Chief Amirigoye as National Financial Secretary.
Additional appointments were made to key offices such as National Publicity Secretary and National Legal Adviser, with Dr Chris Ugwu among those named.
In his acceptance remarks, Kachikwu described Nigeria as being confronted with pressing challenges that require urgent and decisive action.
He highlighted insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship, and widening social inequality as key concerns affecting the country.
He also pointed to increasing emigration, saying many citizens were leaving in search of better opportunities abroad.
He called for a repositioning of the party as a viable alternative that can restore public trust and provide credible solutions to national problems.
According to him, governance should prioritise fairness and ensure that national resources benefit all citizens rather than a privileged few.
Earlier in the convention, factional leaders described the gathering as a significant step for the party despite internal divisions.
The newly appointed National Chairman, Abdulkadir Bashir, urged members to remain united, respect party rules, and work collectively to strengthen the organisation ahead of future electoral contests.