A member of the House of Representatives, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, and the National Deputy Financial Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Oladimeji Fabiyi, have traded words over the recent wave of defections from the party.
The disagreement followed the exit of key political figures, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi and his counterpart Rabiu Kwankwaso, who both contested the 2023 presidential election.
Alongside several National Assembly members, they recently defected from the ADC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing internal disputes and multiple court cases.
Some of the defectors also pointed to the growing influence of prominent figures within the party, particularly former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as a factor behind their decision.
Speaking on Tuesday on Channels Television on Politics Today, Uzokwe, who represents Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, alleged that Atiku’s dominance forced their exit from the party.
“We left ADC because His Excellency Atiku Abubakar said that the coalition was formed in his house, that ADC is his party, that nobody will tell him anything,” he said.
Uzokwe also argued that Atiku’s political ambition had previously destabilised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding, “The ambition of His Excellency Atiku Abubakar is what killed the PDP.”
However, Fabiyi dismissed these claims, accusing the defectors of avoiding internal challenges rather than confronting them. He was particularly critical of Obi, questioning his leadership approach.
“Peter Obi is not a man who likes to face challenges; he is not a leader who wants to fight for the people; he wants to fight for himself,” Fabiyi said during the same programme.
He insisted that neither Atiku nor internal disputes were responsible for the defections.
“Atiku is not your problem, the party is not your problem, and court cases are not your problem,” he added.
The ADC had been adopted in June 2025 as the platform for an opposition coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
The coalition brought together several high-profile politicians, including former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, and former Senate President David Mark.
However, less than a year after its formation, the party has been plagued by internal disagreements, legal battles, and organisational challenges.
The ADC has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining the opposition coalition, an allegation the presidency has denied.
The growing tensions within the party have triggered a wave of defections, with key members departing just months ahead of the 2027 elections, raising fresh concerns about the stability of the opposition bloc.
