As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the African Democratic Congress has revealed it is weighing two options for selecting its presidential candidate—either through a consensus arrangement or a primary election.
The development comes as at least three prominent figures within the newly formed coalition of opposition leaders affiliated with the party have shown interest in contesting for the presidency.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi have all, at various times, expressed their intentions to seek the nation’s top office.
Observers say the presence of multiple contenders could lead to internal strife within the ADC, potentially weakening the opposition and offering an advantage to the ruling party in the next elections.
Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi confirmed the party’s approach to candidate selection, stating they are focused on strengthening internal structures and upholding democratic values.
“We are preoccupied with the development of our party and building structures and putting up necessary systems that will show Nigerians that we are indeed a democratic party,” Abdullahi said.
“Along the line, we are going to act on who becomes the party’s flagbearer and we are going to do so in a very transparent and democratic way.
“We have two options. One of the options on the table is to engineer a consensus and if that is not achieved, we go into primaries that will be transparent and whoever emerges, the party supports.”
