The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that no aspirant will be automatically awarded the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

 

The party stated that while it is open to adopting a consensus approach in selecting its presidential standard bearer, it will resort to an open, competitive, and transparent primary election if consensus fails.

 

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the clarification on Wednesday during an appearance on a national television programme. He addressed growing speculation, political intrigues, coalition talks, and the recent defection of prominent politicians from other parties into the ADC.

 

Abdullahi stressed that the party has not taken any decision on who will emerge as its presidential candidate, adding that all aspirants are eligible to contest.

 

“No conversation is going on at the moment about who will be the standard bearer or who will be running mate to who,” he said. “Every single issue has not been resolved regarding who will fly the flag of the party in 2027.”

 

His comments come amid rising interest in the party following the entry of high-profile political figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who both joined the ADC last week, are widely believed to be considering a presidential bid on the party’s platform.

 

While the Atiku camp has remained silent on his political ambition, supporters of Peter Obi, under the banner of the Obedient Movement, have been more vocal.

 

The National Coordinator of the movement, Dr Yinusa Tanko, declared that Obi would not accept a vice-presidential slot under any arrangement.

 

According to him, Obi is a leading aspirant within the party and “will never accept to be running mate to anybody.”

 

The ADC’s position signals an internal commitment to internal democracy as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections.