Dr. Chike Okogwu.
Harvard Adaptive Leadership Specialist; Former Advisor to Prof. Dean Williams on Africa Matters in Harvard KSG.
35 Years Active Political Experience as an Able & now Disabled politician as ADC National Leader, PWD.
- Purpose of This Briefing.
This briefing provides strategic guidance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on resolving emerging internal fractures between financially powerful political actors (money-bag bigwigs) and INEC-recognized original party owners. The goal is to protect party cohesion, strengthen legitimacy and ensure transparent, constitutionally compliant congresses nationwide.
- Context and Background.
i. Internal Fractures Emerging.
Several states, most notably Delta, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers are experiencing tensions caused by:
Bigwigs seeking to dominate party structures via upcoming congresses.
Original party members being labeled as “poor” or “insignificant” despite carrying INEC legitimacy.
Attempts to impose unauthorized leadership frameworks or coalitions.
ii. Delta State Example.
Delta represents the most visible symbol of this struggle:
A prominent financier withdrew support, including by extension, the retrieval of a previously funded Secretariat.
Despite this setback, Delta ADC members mobilized their own resources, exactly as they did during the 15 November 2025 Unveiling Event and are now raising funds to rent a new, neutral, dignified office space.
They also completed the inauguration of a Coalition Leadership drawn from all coalition parties, Yes, APC, BSO, PDP and LP, despite the earlier disgraceful 5-man failed attempt to impose a one-member coalition structure at the new National Party Secretariat.
This situation highlights the wider national issue of power imbalance vs. legitimacy.
- Analysis Using Adaptive Leadership Framework (Prof. Dean Williams).
I studied under Prof. Williams at Harvard and served as his Advisor on Africa Matters. The following analysis reflects that framework.
i. The Nature of the Challenge.
This is not a technical problem (i.e., cannot be fixed with money, decrees or appointments).
It is an adaptive challenge, involving:
identity,
legitimacy,
respect,
ownership
and power realignment.
ii. Authority vs. Legitimacy.
Bigwigs possess authority derived from wealth and past political office.
Original ADC actors possess legitimacy derived from INEC recognition and institutional continuity.
For party stability, authority must align with legitimacy not overpower it just like leaders like NC, Senator David Mark, HE. Rauf Aregbesola, HE. Atiku Abubakar, HE. Rotimi Amaechi, HE. Nasir El Rufai, HE. Osunbor, HE. John Oyegun, Senator Andrew Uchendu, NPS Bolaji Abdullahi and many more leaders are doing.
iii. The Real Risk.
Unchecked internal fractures could lead to:
multiple litigations
parallel structures
weakened congress outcomes
loss of public confidence
and avoidable defections.
An African Adage says: “When two brothers fight, a stranger inherits their father’s land.”
- Key Recommendations for NEC and NWC immediate Consideration.
I. Convene a National “Reconciliation & Realignment Dialogue” (NRRD) to address every state having this challenge.
Participants:
NEC leadership.
Original state excos.
Bigwigs/financiers.
Respected elders and independent observers.
Objectives:
- Reaffirm party’s shared purpose.
- Set firm non-negotiables (INEC legitimacy, constitutional congress procedures).
- Define the acceptable role of financiers (support, not capture).
- Agree on transparent congress guidelines.
- Establish mutual respect protocols.
ii. Institutional Strengthening (Immediate Actions).
Enforce a policy that no individual owns party offices or assets.
Protect INEC-certified structures as the backbone of the party.
Establish financial integrity rules to prevent dominance by any power bloc.
Train state excos on adaptive leadership and internal conflict management.
Build internal ADR (alternative dispute resolution) frameworks.
Another African Adage buttresses this thus: “The tree that stands alone invites the axe.”
iii. Congress Management Framework.
NEC should approve:
Transparent congress guidelines.
State monitoring teams.
Impartial congress committees.
and post-congress dispute resolution mechanisms.
This prevents manipulation and protects internal democracy.
iv. Messaging and Party Culture.
NEC must promote a political culture where:
Financiers are appreciated but not feared.
Original members are respected, not dismissed.
Unity is prioritized over individual power.
Loyalty to the party supersedes personal ambition. After all, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.
- Political Credibility of the Briefing Source.
I humbly present this guidance based on my:
35 years experience in Nigerian politics, from student activism that produced a state governor through coalition-building, to deep involvement since 1998’s return to democracy.
Experience and insight as an able-bodied and now disabled political actor, giving a dual perspective on inclusion and resilience.
Harvard training under Prof. Dean Williams.
Direct work as Advisor on Africa Matters, supporting Prof. Williams’ multiple engagements in Nigeria, Africa and Developing Nations.
This blend of theory, practice and lived experience strengthens the validity of these my recommendations.
- Strategic Imperative for NEC.
The ADC must choose between:
Fracture or Future.
Capture or Collaboration.
Ego or Institution.
The most sustainable path forward is to strengthen institutional legitimacy, protect INEC-recognized structures and uphold internal democracy through adaptive leadership.
- My parting shot for now.
If the NEC implements these recommendations now, the ADC will not only resolve the current internal tensions but emerge as a model of principled, adaptive and inclusive leadership in Nigeria’s political landscape and note that some new entrants into the party are moles and fifth columnists sponsored by the ruling party to destabilise the ADC MOVING TRAIN as described by Senator Uchendu.
The time to act decisively is now.
Dr. Chike Okogwu, ADC National Leader, PWD.
