By Muhammad Mamman
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has held a closed-door strategy meeting with senior figures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from Nigeria’s South-East, signalling intensifying political manoeuvres ahead of the party’s presidential primary.
The meeting, which took place late on Tuesday at the Abuja residence of party chieftain Chikwe Udensi, brought together a cross-section of influential Igbo political leaders and stakeholders. Discussions, according to sources familiar with the gathering, focused on possible political collaboration and consensus-building within the ADC as the party prepares to select its presidential flag bearer.
Among those in attendance were Senator Augustine Akobundu, ADC founder Chekwas Okorie, former Minister of State for Education Emeka Nwajiuba, and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu.
Also present were prominent political and professional figures including Frank Ibezim, Uzoma Abonta, Uko Nkole, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Etigwe Uwah, as well as other regional leaders and policy advocates.
While details of the deliberations remain undisclosed, political analysts say the outreach underscores Atiku’s continued efforts to consolidate support in the South-East — a region considered pivotal in any viable national coalition. The ADC, positioning itself as an alternative platform amid shifting alliances within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, is expected to witness keen contestation in its forthcoming primary.
Observers note that engagement with influential Igbo leaders could shape the internal dynamics of the party and influence broader opposition realignments ahead of the next general election cycle.
Neither Atiku nor the ADC leadership has issued an official statement detailing the outcome of the talks. However, party insiders describe the meeting as “strategic and forward-looking,” suggesting further consultations may follow in the coming weeks.
The developments come as Nigeria’s political actors intensify behind-the-scenes negotiations, signalling that the race toward the ADC presidential primary is gathering momentum.
