Mass Defection: Reps Member Uzokwe Accuses Atiku Of Personalizing ADC

By Ayodele Oni

A federal lawmaker, Hon. Ifeanyi Uzokwe, has revealed that himself and others left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to lack of internal democracy and and dominance of the party by certain individual.

Uzokwe, member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo in the House Of Representatives, publicly accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of dominating and personalising a coalition platform, prompting his group’s exit from the ADC.

Seventeen members of the green chamber, has on Tuesday announced their defection from the ADC during plenary.

Uzokwe who spoke during a political discussion, alleged that the coalition arrangement tied to the African Democratic Congress was heavily controlled by Atiku, who, according to him, claimed ownership of both the coalition and the party structure.

“We left ADC because His Excellency Atiku Abubakar said the coalition was formed in his house, that ADC is his party, and that nobody will tell him anything,” Uzokwe stated, expressing frustration over what he described as a lack of internal democracy.

The lawmaker further revealed that efforts were made to encourage a more open process, including calls for transparent primaries, where all interested candidates, particularly from the southern region, could contest fairly.

However, he claimed those proposals were dismissed.

According to Uzokwe, the group’s decision to withdraw was driven by concerns that the coalition was not inclusive and failed to reflect broader political interests across regions.

He stressed that the idea of a united front should not be reduced to the ambitions of a single individual.

In his remarks, Uzokwe also pushed back against narratives surrounding coalition politics, urging political actors to be truthful about how alliances are formed.

He accused some figures of misleading the public and downplaying the contributions of others involved in earlier discussions.

The comments come amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s political landscape, as opposition figures continue to explore possible alliances ahead of future elections.

Although Uzokwe did not confirm the next political direction for his group, he hinted at ongoing consultations with other stakeholders.

The development adds another layer of tension to opposition politics, raising questions about unity, leadership structure, and the viability of coalition efforts in Nigeria’s evolving democratic space.