Some stakeholders of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the North-east have lamented the deepening internal crisis rocking the party in Adamawa and other states, warning that the dispute is detrimental to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group, under the aegis of ‘North-east ADC Stakeholders’ who spoke with journalists on Monday in Gombe, blamed the situation on what they described as “weak leadership” under former Senate President David Mark and alleged interference from external forces.

Addressing the press, the group leaders; Justin Ahamefula, Terver David, and Dr Salihu Abdullahi Ishaq, expressed concern over unresolved disputes and lingering legal battles in Adamawa, Sokoto, Imo, Kano, and Borno states, saying the crisis has left the party unprepared yet for 2027.

They specifically lamented the situation in Adamawa state, where they alleged that the party’s governorship candidate, Omar Suleiman, “was arbitrarily replaced with Tukur Modibbo, the runner-up in the primary”.

According to them, the substitution was allegedly influenced by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and done under pressure from the National Working Committee (NWC).

“There is no justification to replace the winner of the Adamawa governorship primary. Suleiman is competent, experienced, and capable of providing strong leadership for the state,” the group said.

The stakeholders also expressed anxiety over several court cases involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the ADC and its candidates, warning that the legal challenges could further damage the party’s chances.

They called on INEC “to carefully scrutinise any proposed substitution of the ADC governorship candidate in Adamawa state and ensure that the process complies with electoral laws and principles of fairness and justice.”

The group warned that going ahead with what they termed a “controversial substitution” would only deepen the crisis and hurt the party’s fortunes in the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa.

“Adamawa state has several viable political parties and competent candidates. It is necessary for the ADC to resolve its internal disputes and present a candidate accepted by its members and supporters,” the statement urged.

They called on the party leadership to urgently address all outstanding crises and challenges in order to prepare adequately for the upcoming elections.