ADC Presidential Hopefuls to Back Winner as 2027 Race Heats Up

Top presidential aspirants under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are preparing to sign an agreement pledging support for whoever emerges as the party’s flag bearer ahead of the 2027 elections.

The move is aimed at presenting a united front and avoiding post-primary rifts that could weaken the party’s chances.

The deal, which is still being finalized, centers on the understanding that the primary process must be fair and transparent. However, the aspirants are yet to agree on what exactly defines transparency in the context of internal party elections. This detail is expected to be ironed out before the pact is formally signed.

Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation and a prominent member of the coalition, confirmed that the agreement in principle has been reached. He noted that all aspirants will be expected to stand by the outcome of a credible primary, but he also stressed the need for a clear, shared definition of what makes a primary election truly transparent.

The party’s interim national chairman, Senator David Mark, recently addressed growing concerns about internal favoritism. He stated that the ADC has no preferred candidate and assured members that his leadership would ensure a level playing field for all contenders.

Interest in the ADC presidential ticket has surged following hints and declarations from major political figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently spoke about his 2027 ambition, is among those believed to be eyeing the ADC platform. Atiku denied claims that he was asked to withdraw in favor of a southern candidate.

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has also indicated his readiness to contest again in 2027. He dismissed reports suggesting he would accept a vice presidential role and clarified that he had not entered into any negotiations with other aspirants.

Amaechi, who lost the APC presidential primary in 2023 to Bola Tinubu, has officially joined the ADC race. He believes the party could offer a new direction for the country if internal processes are handled with fairness and integrity. Former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, however, has ruled himself out of the race, stating he has no political ambition.

Still, some concerns remain within the party. Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, alleged that the new leadership is preparing to hand the ticket to Atiku, stirring fears about zoning and internal manipulation. This allegation taps into the broader national debate about whether power should rotate between the North and South—a topic that influenced the 2023 election.

In response, ADC’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he was not aware of any agreement among aspirants. He maintained that the party’s focus remains on transparency and fairness, with every aspirant given equal opportunity to compete.

As the race toward 2027 builds momentum, the ADC’s ability to maintain unity and deliver an open primary will be tested. How well the party manages its internal dynamics may determine whether it becomes a strong challenger or another fragmented platform in Nigeria’s complex political landscape.