The Guardian (Nigeria)

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

• Kachikwu preaches against vote buying

- From Adamu Abuh, Abuja

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 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 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 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 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.

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