ADC Faces Zoning Test Ahead Of 2027 Race

The African Democratic Congress is preparing for the 2027 general elections with zoning already becoming a central issue in its internal politics.

The party, which is positioning itself as a strong alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress, faces a delicate task in deciding how to allocate its presidential ticket among Nigeria’s regions.

The challenge arises from pressure to balance regional interests while keeping the party united. With heavyweight politicians like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi aligning with the party, leaders are under scrutiny to decide whether the ticket should be left open or directed to a particular zone. The final decision is expected to rest with the National Executive Committee.

Ethnic diversity across the country makes the issue even more complex. While the ADC constitution promotes inclusiveness, zoning decisions often favor larger ethnic groups, leaving minority groups wary of being sidelined. How the party manages this tension will shape perceptions of its commitment to national unity.

Another debate is whether the party should stick with zoning or move toward merit-based selection. The ADC has always spoken of governance built on competence and grassroots participation. However, many Nigerians still see zoning as a fair system to ensure representation, and rejecting it outright may affect the party’s chances in some regions.

Institutional weakness also weighs heavily on the decision. The ADC has no governors or senators and only a handful of National Assembly members. Its growth has come mostly through defections, and its limited spread across the states raises doubts about how effectively it can enforce a zoning formula across all six geopolitical zones.

A further layer of complexity comes from the party’s progressive stance on youth and women inclusion. The leadership has pledged to reserve half of its positions for these groups, which means any zoning arrangement must also create space for young people and women to contest for key roles. This could extend beyond party leadership into gubernatorial and parliamentary contests.

As the 2027 election draws closer, the ADC’s zoning policy will be a test of both its political maturity and its ability to balance fairness, inclusivity, and strategy in a way that appeals to Nigerians looking for an alternative to the dominant parties.