The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected claims that it is being positioned to serve the presidential ambition of any individual ahead of the 2027 general election. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the ADC remains an open, democratic platform where no aspirant is guaranteed automatic access to its presidential ticket.
Speaking during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, Abdullahi dismissed growing speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had been anointed as the party’s preferred candidate. He maintained that such claims misrepresent the party’s internal processes and undermine its stated commitment to transparent and competitive primaries.
Clarifying the ADC’s Position on Ownership and Candidacy
Abdullahi stressed that the ADC does not belong to any single individual or political tendency, noting that the party was deliberately structured to avoid dominance by one figure. According to him, all members are fully aware that the party’s constitution and internal mechanisms guarantee equal opportunity for all aspirants.
He explained that the presence of several high-profile politicians within the party clearly contradicts the notion that it is being run as a vehicle for one person. The spokesperson cited the entry of figures such as former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as evidence that the ADC remains plural, competitive, and inclusive.
Abdullahi added that rumours of a pre-arranged presidential ticket are largely driven by external observers who are unfamiliar with the party’s internal dynamics and decision-making processes.
Zoning Debate and Calls for Open Primaries
The issue of zoning the ADC’s presidential ticket has generated debate within the party, with some state chairmen urging the leadership to abandon zoning arrangements in favour of open and credible primaries. Party stakeholders have argued that such an approach would enhance internal democracy and strengthen the legitimacy of any eventual flagbearer.
Abdullahi acknowledged the ongoing discussions but reiterated that no final decision had been taken to favour any aspirant. He said the leadership remains committed to a process that allows members to freely choose their candidate through transparent competition.
He emphasised that whoever emerges as the party’s presidential candidate will do so through due process, not through backroom arrangements or personal influence.
Coalition Politics and Growing Opposition Ambitions
The ADC gained renewed national prominence in July 2025 when a coalition of influential politicians adopted it as a platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. Since then, the party has embarked on an aggressive expansion drive aimed at strengthening its grassroots presence across the country.
Under the leadership of National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, the party has intensified efforts to attract members and position itself as a serious opposition force. Several prominent politicians have since declared interest in contesting the presidency on the ADC platform, with more expected in the coming months.
Abdullahi described the party’s expansion as one of the fastest in Nigeria’s political history, arguing that the ADC has increasingly come to be seen as a viable alternative to the ruling party.
Responding to APC Allegations and 2027 Outlook
The ADC spokesperson accused the APC of deliberately promoting the narrative that the party is an “Atiku machinery,” describing it as an attempt to discredit the opposition and sow internal distrust. He said the ruling party was merely speculating about the ADC’s internal affairs rather than focusing on governance.
Abdullahi maintained that the ADC is confident in its growth and appeal, adding that the party is focused on building a credible structure capable of winning elections. He insisted that the choice of presidential candidate will ultimately rest with party members and delegates.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the ADC leadership has continued to emphasise internal democracy, inclusiveness, and competitive politics as its defining principles.
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
