President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of attempting to take control of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as internal disputes continue to rock the opposition party.

Speaking on Thursday at the State House while receiving a delegation of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Tinubu alleged that the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC stemmed from efforts by Atiku to “privatise” the party for personal political gain.

The president also criticised Atiku’s record as former chairman of Nigeria’s privatisation council, questioning the outcomes of key reforms carried out during his tenure.

“The head [Atiku] was the chairman of the privatisation council of Nigeria. He privatised the steel industry in Delta; is it working today? No. He privatised Ajaokuta. Is it working today? No,” Tinubu said. “They tried to privatise another man’s political party, but the owner said no.”

The remarks come amid a protracted leadership crisis within the ADC, which has intensified since July 2025, when an opposition coalition assumed control of the party’s leadership structure.

The party is currently divided into three factions led by former Senate President David Mark, former deputy national chairman Nafiu Bala, and Ogga Kingsley. Bala has challenged the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership, alleging it was imposed in violation of party rules.

On April 1, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew recognition of both the Mark-led faction and Bala’s group following an interim ruling by the Court of Appeal.

The dispute is now set for further legal determination, with the Supreme Court of Nigeria scheduled to hear an appeal filed by Mark on April 22 in response to a suit initiated by Bala’s faction.

In a related development, a faction of the ADC in Adamawa State announced the suspension of Atiku Abubakar on April 13, accusing him of contributing to disunity within the party.

The ongoing crisis underscores deepening divisions within the ADC, raising concerns about its cohesion and viability as a platform for opposition politics ahead of future elections.