By Ismaeel Aleem
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) recent decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the Southern region of Nigeria.
The party described the move as a calculated political strategy aimed at attracting high-profile figures such as Peter Obi, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and Rotimi Amaechi.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief” on Tuesday.
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He accused both the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of focusing on political manoeuvring rather than addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
The PDP’s zoning announcement, which keeps the party’s national chairmanship position in the North, aligns with Nigeria’s informal tradition of rotating power between the North and South to promote national unity.
Meanwhile, APC governors and leaders have already endorsed President Bola Tinubu as their sole candidate for 2027, reinforcing the party’s commitment to maintaining the power rotation convention.
Abdullahi, however, dismissed these moves as premature and insensitive, given that the election is still two years away.
“Why are we so preoccupied and behaving in ways that make Nigerians feel the political elite do not care about them?” he asked, highlighting the growing disconnect between the country’s leaders and the everyday struggles of citizens.
He argued that the early zoning arrangements by both the PDP and APC reflect a prioritisation of political strategy over urgent national issues such as economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment.
Abdullahi suggested that the PDP’s decision is a deliberate attempt to lure prominent politicians into its ranks.
“They °PDP and APC members] are very experienced and know the implications of showing their hand too early. So, it’s either a predetermined game or a tactic to attract certain individuals,” he said.
Speculation has linked the PDP’s zoning move to efforts to draw figures like Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate; Jonathan, the former president; and Amaechi, former Rivers State governor and APC chieftain, all of whom hail from the South.
Positioning itself as an alternative to the two dominant parties, the ADC stressed that it remains open to all aspirants.
Abdullahi noted that prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently declared his intention to contest in 2027, as well as Obi and Amaechi, would have an equal opportunity to secure the party’s ticket.
“In the papers yesterday, Atiku announced he is running for president. Let us not forget that Obi, Amaechi, and others are also interested, and they have an equal chance with us,” he said.
Unlike the PDP and APC, the ADC has yet to decide on zoning its presidential ticket.
Abdullahi emphasised that the party is currently focused on grassroots mobilisation and strengthening its internal structures to build a credible platform for the 2027 elections.
“We are not built around a single aspirant. Our priority is connecting with Nigerians at the grassroots and ensuring that our party can offer a credible alternative,” he said.
The ADC’s critique comes at a time when Nigeria faces severe economic and security challenges.
Rising inflation, fuel scarcity, and widespread insecurity have heightened public discontent, with many Nigerians frustrated by the government’s inability to provide tangible solutions.
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Abdullahi’s comments reflect a growing sentiment that the political elite must prioritise governance over early electioneering if they are to regain public trust.
As the 2027 elections approach, the political landscape is expected to become increasingly competitive, with parties striving to position themselves as viable options for voters.
