A fresh rift may be unfolding within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition after a federal lawmaker, Hon. Ifeanyi Uzokwe, accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of dominating the group’s structure.
The claim adds to ongoing concerns about internal disagreements ahead of the next election cycle.
Claims of personal control
Uzokwe alleged that key decisions within the coalition were being driven by Atiku rather than through collective agreement.
According to him, tensions escalated after claims that the coalition was formed under Atiku’s personal influence.
“We left ADC because His Excellency Atiku Abubakar said that coalition was formed in his house, that ADC is his party, that nobody will tell him anything,” he said.
Dispute over primaries and zoning
The lawmaker questioned the process for selecting candidates, insisting that all aspirants should be allowed to compete through transparent primaries.
He suggested that Atiku should step aside to allow southern contenders to emerge.
“Let him say he is stepping down… let Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and others go into primaries,” he stated.
Uzokwe also referenced internal zoning discussions, claiming some factions had already conceded the presidential ticket to the South.
‘Mass movement’ claim rejected
Dismissing narratives of a unified opposition front, Uzokwe accused some political actors of misleading Nigerians.
“What are you telling me? Somebody that stood for election in 2023 and you are telling me about primaries. My brother, stop telling lies to Nigerians,” he said.
He further claimed that multiple meetings were held among political stakeholders, but no consensus was reached on power-sharing arrangements.
Coalition tensions deepen
The remarks point to deeper divisions within the ADC coalition, particularly over leadership control and strategic direction.
With political realignments continuing, the situation is likely to shape how opposition forces organise ahead of 2027.
We left ADC because His Excellency Atiku Abubakar said that coalition was formed in his house, that ADC is his party, that nobody will tell him anything, says Hon. Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Federal Lawmaker#PoliticsToday pic.twitter.com/wBG1yCAj32
— Channels Television (@channelstv) May 5, 2026