reports that Nwosu made the comments during an interview with Punch, where he explained the background to several decisions taken within the party over time.

Speaking on internal reforms, he said the ADC was forced to review and amend its constitution following what he described as disruptive behaviour by certain members.

He explained that stricter rules were introduced to prevent individuals from joining the party and quickly securing tickets without proper screening of their intentions.

According to him, the decision was influenced by past experiences involving internal challenges that affected party stability.

Nwosu also confirmed that Dumebi Kachikwu was expelled during a party convention, adding that the party later moved on to support the Labour Party presidential candidate during the general election.

He accused Kachikwu of playing a destabilising role within the party, describing his actions as destructive and harmful to its unity.

The ADC founder insisted that Kachikwu is no longer a member of the party, saying his claim to still represent the party was no longer valid following his expulsion.

He also criticised Kachikwu for continuing to publicly present himself as a presidential candidate of the ADC, stating that such a position had already expired.

Nwosu further alleged that ongoing tensions within the party are being influenced by a mix of internal actors and external interests, which he said has distorted the true nature of the dispute.

He added that individuals linked to the crisis have become entangled in broader political narratives, insisting that the situation is being exaggerated in the public space.

The group, known as the PETOOPO movement, made the demand during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Jos, Plateau State.

Speaking at the event, the National Convener, Magnus Oraka, said the group was issuing what he described as two “urgent and non-negotiable advisories” on political fairness and electoral credibility.

He stated that the briefing was aimed at addressing concerns involving both the ADC leadership and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Oraka urged the ADC to ensure its presidential candidate emerges from the Southern region ahead of the 2027 election.

According to him, fielding a Northern candidate could weaken opposition unity and affect the party’s chances at the polls.

He argued that zoning the ticket to the South would promote balance and strengthen political stability ahead of the election.

The group also dismissed Atiku’s recent comments suggesting imbalance in Nigeria’s rotational presidency, insisting that historical records support their position that the South has a stronger claim to the office in the current cycle.

Oraka further criticised Atiku’s repeated presidential bids, describing them as a distraction to national unity and urging him to step aside for Southern aspirants.

In addition, the PETOOPO movement called for the resignation of the Chairman of INEC, Joash Amupitan, accusing him of partisanship and interference in internal party matters.

Oraka alleged that recent actions by the electoral body had raised concerns about its neutrality and ability to conduct fair elections.

The group warned that failure to address their demands could escalate political tensions, while insisting that fairness, zoning, and electoral credibility remain central to Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of 2027.