2027: ADC favors consensus for presidential ticket, sets conditions for primaries

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced that it will prioritize consensus in the selection of its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections but will conduct competitive primaries if aspirants fail to agree.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television, stressing that the ADC is more focused on building strong grassroots structures than engaging in zoning debates or early presidential declarations.

ADC’s Position on 2027 Race

Abdullahi emphasized that the ADC would provide a level playing ground for all aspirants, while working to avoid rancorous contests that could divide the party.

“Atiku says he will run, Obi says he will run, Amaechi says he will run, that does not stop anyone else. What we are committed to is a level playing ground. We will pursue consensus, and if that fails, we will hold competitive primaries,” he stated.

He added that leadership was about “knowing what to do and when to do it,” insisting that the ADC’s priority at the moment is to strengthen its nationwide structure.

“For us, our focus now is building a fighting structure, not rushing into zoning conversations,” Abdullahi maintained.

Context Ahead of 2027 Elections

The statement comes at a time when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have both zoned their 2027 presidential tickets to the South.

By contrast, the ADC appears to be positioning itself as an alternative platform, promising inclusivity and flexibility in its internal democratic process.

Political analysts say the party’s strategy could help it attract aspirants and supporters disillusioned by the dominance of APC and PDP, though its capacity to challenge the two giants at the national level remains to be tested.