President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of attempting to take control of the African Democratic Congress during its ongoing leadership crisis.
Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday while receiving a delegation of Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the State House in Abuja. He linked the internal challenges within the ADC to what he described as Atiku’s political style and past record in public service.
The president referenced Atiku’s tenure as head of Nigeria’s privatisation programme, questioning the outcomes of key national assets sold under the exercise.
He said the former vice president privatised the steel industry in Delta State and the Ajaokuta Steel Company, adding that these assets have not performed effectively since their transfer.
According to Tinubu, similar attempts were being made in the political space, where he alleged that Atiku and his allies were trying to take over political structures that do not belong to them.
He further stated that while some individuals attempt to “privatise” political parties, the original owners of such platforms still retain authority and resist takeover efforts.
The comments come amid a prolonged leadership crisis within the ADC, which has been struggling with internal divisions since an opposition coalition assumed influence over its structure in July 2025.
The party is currently split into factions led by former Senate President David Mark, Nafiu Bala, a former deputy national chairman, and Ogga Kingsley, each laying claim to legitimacy.
Tensions escalated further after Bala accused the Mark led group of being illegally constituted, deepening the rift within the party.
In April 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission withdrew recognition from the competing factions following a court of appeal ruling, further complicating the leadership dispute.
The Supreme Court has now scheduled April 22 to hear an appeal filed by the Mark faction, which is contesting the leadership structure of the party.
Meanwhile, a faction of the ADC in Adamawa State recently announced the suspension of Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of fueling internal divisions within the party.
The crisis continues to generate political debate nationwide, raising concerns about opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general elections and the ability of the party to resolve its internal conflicts.
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