Uzokw Accuses Atiku of Undermining ADC Coalition Efforts

Ifeanyi Uzokw, a member of the House of Representatives representing Nnewi North, accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of frustrating efforts to promote internal democracy within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Uzokw made these allegations during a political appearance on Tuesday, explaining the mass withdrawal of several former lawmakers from the coalition linked to the ADC.

He claimed that Atiku had instructed party stakeholders to form a coalition that would allow him to control the ADC, raising concerns about the party's commitment to an open and inclusive political platform. Uzokw urged Atiku to withdraw his presidential ambitions to ensure fair regional balance, particularly allowing southern aspirants to contest in future elections.

He disclosed that consultations among dissatisfied members, including meetings with key political actors, aimed to secure consensus favoring the presidency being zoned to the south, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The situation is further complicated by the Kwankwasiyya movement, associated with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, which has shown readiness to support power rotation to the south amid ongoing debates about the direction of the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.