2027 Presidency: ADC says it’s too early to endorse candidate

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it is too early to discuss or endorse any presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, emphasizing that its primary focus at the moment is on strengthening its political structures and internal cohesion.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Abuja, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s interim National Publicity Secretary, made it clear that the ADC is not currently engaged in any consultations or discussions regarding potential aspirants for its presidential ticket.

“We don’t have any favourite aspirants or candidates. We are not having any conversation at the moment,” Abdullahi said.

“Nobody has ever had any conversation about who will be the party’s flag bearer. We believe that it is too early in the day.”

He stressed that the ADC is currently more concerned with laying a strong foundation for the future, which includes building a viable political alternative that can genuinely deliver on democratic governance and national development.

“Our focus now is to build a political party that is strong enough to deliver on the mission that we have set for ourselves,” he added.

Despite the party’s official stance, political speculation continues to swirl over possible high-profile figures who might be eyeing the ADC platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Among the names rumoured to be considering the ADC ticket are: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate); Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate; Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation and APC chieftain

All three individuals were part of a coalition-backed movement aimed at forming a “Third Force” in the lead-up to the 2023 elections — a bloc in which the ADC played a significant role. However, none of them have officially declared any intention to contest under the ADC banner.

Political observers note that the ADC, which has historically struggled to make significant gains in presidential elections, could become a strategic platform for prominent opposition figures looking to challenge the dominant APC and PDP narratives in 2027.

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According to political analyst Dr. Hassan Olanrewaju, the ADC’s refusal to engage in early candidate speculation reflects a maturing party structure.

“This shows strategic thinking. Nigerian parties often focus too early on personalities rather than institution-building,” he noted.

“By delaying the conversation, the ADC is attempting to build credibility as a serious player ahead of 2027.”

While the party has yet to produce a presidential frontrunner of its own in previous elections, its recent reorganization efforts, coalition-building strategies, and calls for ideological clarity have begun to attract attention from a broader base of reform-minded Nigerians.

Abdullahi reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and inclusive leadership, hinting that future discussions on the 2027 race would be conducted through a consensual and consultative process.

For now, however, the party’s leadership remains focused on consolidating its national presence, expanding its grassroots engagement, and preparing for the off-cycle governorship elections in states like Ondo and Edo.