Dumebi Kachikwu has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Abdulkadir-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for 2027.

Kachikwu, who was the party’s presidential candidate in 2023, was elected on Sunday during the faction’s special convention held in Abuja.

He said the ADC had faced threats from powerful political interests determined to weaken the party for personal and political vendettas against President Bola Tinubu, but said they underestimated ordinary party members.

“The common man remains the backbone of our democracy, and it is because of them that I proudly accept this presidential nomination,” Kachikwu stated.

He thanked party leaders, members, state chairmen and the National Working Committee (NWC ) for supporting his political aspiration and commitment to national development.

Kachikwu said Nigeria’s present condition reflected years of failed leadership, injustice, inequality, and poor governance that had pushed citizens toward economic hardship nationwide.

He called on Nigerians to reject divisive politics based on ethnicity and religion, and embrace merit, competence, and character in leadership selection.

Kachikwu pledged to dismantle mediocrity in governance by investing heavily in education, technology, innovation, and youth development across the country if elected president, and stressed the need for a new national charter that would promote equality, inclusion, and equal rights for citizens regardless of tribe, religion, or regional background.

He promised to prioritise quality healthcare, public education, infrastructure, and affordable internet access while discouraging public officials from relying on private social amenities.

“If leaders rely on public hospitals, schools, and utilities themselves, they will work harder to improve those facilities for all Nigerians,” Kachikwu said.