The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has openly acknowledged unease within its ranks over the potential presidential ambitions of two heavyweight politicians former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party candidate Peter Obi as Nigeria looks towards the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the situation as a “conundrum” and a “significant challenge” for the ADC, even while insisting it does not yet constitute the greatest threat to Nigerian democracy.
“The issue of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi is one we are concerned about, yes,” Abdullahi admitted.
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“It is a challenge we must address, but I may not describe it in superlative terms as the greatest threat to democracy at the moment.”
Reports suggest both Atiku, the perennial Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer, and Obi, whose third-force campaign galvanised millions of young voters in 2023, have held discussions with ADC leaders about possibly securing the party’s ticket or forming part of a broader opposition coalition. The prospect of two such prominent figures vying for the same platform has raised questions about unity and direction within the ADC.
Abdullahi, however, stressed that candidate selection remains far from the party’s immediate priority. “Nobody in the ADC at this time is having conversations about who the presidential candidate will be,” he said, emphasising that the party is laser-focused on grassroots expansion.
“We have so much work to do to establish real presence and be in a position to contest elections in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he explained.
Over recent months, the ADC has concentrated on strengthening state chapters, recruiting members, and improving internal structures ahead of the next election cycle.
When the time arrives to choose a flagbearer, Abdullahi said the party would first attempt to build consensus among interested aspirants. Should consensus prove elusive, the contest would be thrown open democratically. Crucially, he rejected the notion that the ticket is a straight duel between Atiku and Obi.
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“It’s not just about Atiku and Peter Obi,” he insisted. “There are other people who have indicated interest in contesting the presidential race under the ADC platform. We have to make allowance for everyone.”
The party is simultaneously exploring merger or coalition talks with elements in other opposition groups to create what Abdullahi called “a formidable coalition” capable of mounting a serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
