A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Solomon Dalung, has dismissed claims of internal crisis within the party, insisting that its leadership structure remains stable and unified ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dalung, who serves as the party’s National Coordinator of Diaspora Affairs, made the remarks during a recent interview on TV Platinum, where he addressed growing speculation about alleged divisions and factional disputes within the ADC.
Speaking firmly on the issue, Dalung declared, “David Mark is the National Chairman, Rauf Aregbesola is the National Secretary, and the party is intact.” The statement was aimed at countering reports suggesting that the party’s leadership was being contested by rival groups.
According to Dalung, such reports are largely exaggerated and do not reflect the reality within the party. He emphasized that the ADC continues to function as a cohesive political organization, guided by its constitution and established democratic processes.
He acknowledged that, like any political party, the ADC has members with varying ambitions, particularly as the country gradually approaches another election cycle. However, he stressed that ambition alone should not be misconstrued as evidence of disunity or crisis.
“People can have ambitions,” Dalung said during the interview, noting that aspiring for leadership positions is a natural part of political engagement. He added that such aspirations must be pursued through legitimate and transparent means.
Dalung explained that leadership positions within the party are determined through conventions and other constitutionally recognized processes, rather than through external influence or media narratives. He cautioned against attempts to create confusion by promoting unverified claims about factional leadership.
The former minister further stated that any member seeking to assume a leadership role must follow due process, including participating in party congresses and elections. He warned that bypassing these mechanisms could undermine the party’s integrity and democratic values.
Political observers note that Dalung’s remarks come at a time when internal cohesion is critical for opposition parties seeking to strengthen their position ahead of future elections. The ADC, in particular, has been working to expand its influence and present itself as a viable alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Dalung’s endorsement of the current leadership structure, with David Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as National Secretary, is seen as an effort to project stability and reassure party members and supporters.
He also reiterated the importance of unity within the party, urging members to focus on collective goals rather than individual interests. According to him, maintaining internal harmony will be essential for the ADC to effectively compete in upcoming elections.
