As the African Democratic Congress (ADC) positions itself as a major opposition force for the 2027 presidential election, Nigerians voice their preferences on who should carry the party’s flag.
On Friday, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition was officially launched in Abuja, positioning itself as a political force with the stated aim of challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The coalition brings together several prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senate President David Mark.
While none have formally declared their candidacy under the ADC banner, all are reported to have expressed interest in contesting the next presidential race.
Although the coalition has yet to unveil its presidential flag bearer, there is widespread speculation that the eventual candidate will emerge from among these seasoned politicians, who have all held high-level roles—ranging from ministerial and gubernatorial positions to national leadership posts.
Diverse Voices from the Electorate
To understand public sentiment, New Daily Prime spoke to Nigerians from different parts of the country about who they believe is the best candidate to lead the ADC in 2027.
In Rivers State, local resident Mr. Olaka Olaka expressed strong support for Mr Amaechi. “Out of all the aspirants, Mr Amaechi deserves to be the next president after Tinubu. Whether he contests in 2027 or 2031, no one else deserves it more than him,” he said.
According to Olaka, Amaechi’s accomplishments during his tenure as governor qualify him for national leadership. However, he also urged caution, arguing that discussions about unseating the incumbent might be premature.
“I don’t think we should already be talking about elections when we haven’t even addressed the outcome of the last one. In my polling unit and in my ward, someone else won—but a different name was declared by the powers that be,” he added.
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In Lagos, businessman David Zamani offered a contrasting view, naming former Vice President Abubakar as his preferred candidate for the ADC presidential ticket in 2027.
“I chose Atiku because he understands Nigeria inside and out,” Zamani said. “He’s more experienced than both Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi.”
He added that Atiku enjoys significant support in the northern part of the country and is well-positioned to mount pressure on the incumbent administration.
“In my view, we need someone capable of standing up to the ruling party. If the South-South is our only viable option, then we must put forward strong, influential figures—people with the capacity to build momentum and challenge the status quo. This current administration is doing everything it can to entrench itself in power, so the opposition must present a candidate who can genuinely compete.”
Zoning and Political Calculations
In Minna, Niger State, businessman Samson Famous expressed his support for Obi, describing him as the most suitable among the four leading aspirants to contest the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket.
According to Famous, the ADC’s focus on addressing Nigeria’s pressing security and economic challenges aligns closely with Obi’s leadership profile. He also referenced Nigeria’s informal power-sharing arrangement known as zoning, which typically sees the presidency alternate between the North and South every eight years.
“The South is meant to serve eight years, and so far, only four have been completed under President Tinubu. This means four more years should come from the South,” he explained.
“Given that, candidates like El-Rufai should not be in the running if we truly respect that arrangement. Of course, both El-Rufai and Atiku have every constitutional right to contest, but for the sake of peace, fairness, and national cohesion, they ought to voluntarily step aside.”
He continued: “That narrows the conversation to Rotimi Amaechi and Peter Obi. One of them should emerge as the coalition’s flag bearer to fulfil the Southern mandate. Based on the political momentum from last year, it’s clear that both have the influence and structures needed to mobilise voters. But among the two, Obi stands out.”
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While comparing Mr Amaechi and Mr Obi, he said the record and achievements of the former Anambra State governor were far better than those of the former Rivers State governor.
Obi’s Supporters Cite Accountability and Simplicity
Dr Samuel Otikor, a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, also threw his weight behind Peter Obi, praising his political history, overwhelming youth support, and clean governance record.
“From the 2023 election, it was clear that Nigerians were united in their call for change—and that movement still aligns with Peter Obi,” he said.
“I stand with them—the new generation of Nigerians rallying behind Obi. We are yet to see any real impact from the narrative that claims someone who developed Lagos can automatically develop Nigeria.”
Otikor added: “At the very least, Peter Obi was accountable during his time in public office. While he may not have completely transformed Anambra, he showed a commendable ability to manage public resources—something this country urgently needs. Even if he doesn’t have all the answers to national development, let the resources be there and let the people guide him, saying: ‘We have the resources—please use them to work for us.’”
Also, Smith Nwakocha, a resident of Rivers State, described Mr Obi as the most outstanding choice among the potential candidates, citing his leadership track record and personal integrity.
“My vote will always go to Mr Obi, and I will continue to stand with him,” Nwakocha said. “I believe he has the capacity and the qualities needed to lead this country.”
He added that Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State reflected his competence in governance.
“He significantly improved infrastructure and education. He’s 63 years old and doesn’t depend on government money to survive.”
Speaking to Obi’s character, Nwakocha continued: “He is humble, noble, and simple—and that’s exactly what Nigeria needs. We want a leader who leads by example and holds himself accountable. Even his followers must be held to that same standard—to do the work they were elected to do.”
Nwakocha concluded with a strong personal conviction: “As far as I’m concerned, once he’s in power, I believe he’ll bring these values to the national level. He’s already proven himself in several capacities. Just look at the kind of pressure and resistance he has faced—yet the youth and many Nigerians still rally behind him. If we’re being honest, he won the last election. But the system did what it always does.”
