ADC plots to shock APC, PDP in 2023, picks vice presidential candidate

• Kachikwu preaches against vote-buying

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, African Democratic Congress (ADC) is strategising to defeat the two major –ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) – and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the board.

This comes as the party picked Alhaji Malik Sani as running mate to its presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu.

ADC’s National Chairman, Ralphs Nwosu, made the disclosure during a retreat and strategy meeting, at the weekend, in Abuja.

He explained that Malik was picked to beat Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deadline, adding that the party might substitute him after due consultation with stakeholders.

Nwosu confirmed that ADC was in merger talks with at least two political parties of like minds.

“We have been talking, building a new collaboration and alliance. We can deliver, but at the same time, the door is open. But we will see how it goes,” he noted.

Expressing satisfaction with the result of the party’s national convention held recently in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the national chairman accused the media of bias by allegedly playing up APC and PDP subterfuges.

Also speaking, Kachikwu pointed out that the gathering was to boost the party’s performance at the poll.

“I am sure you are aware that ADC, outside the two known parties, ranks third. It has structures in all the states. So we have all asked the state chairmen here, our governorship candidates and members of the National Working Committee (NWC), who are here to review our performance, convention and strength in the states and indicate their readiness for the coming elections.”

In a chat earlier with reporters, the presidential hopeful urged prospective voters to resist moneybags for credible polls next year.

Kachikwu dismissed claims that the outcome of the 2023 general elections would be determined by candidates with enormous resources to “compromise INEC, voters and security agents in the country.”

Regretting the effects of bad governance on the polity, he said it was incumbent on the electorate to come out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice.

The Delta State-born politician said his appeal was borne out of the need not to disenfranchise Nigerians during balloting.

Kachikwu had polled 978 votes to clinch the ticket ahead of former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, who had 589 ballots during the presidential primary.