2027: ADC considers consensus, primaries to pick presidential candidate

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, says it is considering two major options, consensus and primary election, in deciding who will emerge as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

This comes as at least three high-profile politicians within the coalition of opposition leaders recently aligned with the party, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, are reportedly nursing presidential ambitions.

Political analysts have warned that a lack of clear strategy on the issue may cause internal friction within the party and give the ruling party a strategic advantage in 2027.

Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said the party’s immediate focus is on strengthening its internal structures and demonstrating its commitment to democratic principles.

“We are preoccupied with the development of our party, 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.”

He explained that consensus is the preferred route, but the party is fully prepared to conduct a transparent primary election if that fails.

“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,” he added.