Amid growing concerns over internal disunity and the risk of premature political missteps, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a directive suspending all public declarations of presidential ambition within the party until its internal structures are firmly established ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This announcement was made by prominent party stakeholder Malam Salihu Moh. Lukman during an appearance on AIT’s Jigsaw programme on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to Lukman, the party’s decision is aimed at preventing the hijack of its platform by ambitious individuals and ensuring that the ADC remains a well-organized and independently functioning entity.
“What we are telling everybody in the coalition is that the structures of the party will not be handed over to aspiring candidates,” he said. “We have to build the party in a way that it can regulate everyone—aspirants and office holders alike.”
Notably, high-profile figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have been linked to possible interest in the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket. However, Lukman emphasized that the current unity seen among opposition leaders is built on a mutual understanding to delay open declarations while foundational efforts are underway.
“I think that the suspension of the expression of ambition has to continue. I can see some leaders have already become hyper-reactive,” he cautioned.
Addressing broader political dynamics, Lukman also spoke on the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), a coalition of opposition leaders working to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He described the adoption of the ADC as a strategic step to prevent Nigeria from sliding into a one-party state.
“A special committee was set up by the coalition… we are not going to leave anything unturned to ensure that by 2027, we present an option to Nigerians,” Lukman stated. “Our right to participate in elections, as provided by the Constitution, will be exercised beyond the confines of the APC.”
He reaffirmed that the opposition is committed to offering Nigerians a credible alternative, insisting that the political future of the country must not be monopolized by a single party.
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