The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned its supporters against adopting a “must-be-my-candidate” mindset that risks dividing the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the virtual ‘ADC Coalition Hours’ on Saturday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, emphasized that such exclusivist loyalty could weaken the party’s collective efforts to unseat the incumbent president. He called on supporters to rally behind all presidential aspirants within the party in a unified manner.
“This divisive tendency undermines our strength. Unity is critical to consolidating our presidential bid and securing victory,” Abdullahi stated.
Since its adoption by key opposition figures in July 2025, the ADC has grown in prominence under the stewardship of former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary. The party has been steadily building its nationwide structures and broadening its appeal among Nigerian voters.
Prominent former officials including Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi (joined July 2025), ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar (joined November 2025), and Peter Obi (joined December 31, 2025) have all declared intentions to seek the party’s presidential ticket. The entrance of multiple high-profile aspirants has sparked debates within the party, notably over zoning, with Obi supporters advocating for a southern candidate and Atiku supporters favoring an open contest.
Abdullahi revealed that he has engaged directly with all leading aspirants, including the likes of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to promote cohesion and strategic focus within the party.
“I have spoken with His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and others to unite our party,” he noted. “There is a clear, shared understanding that the task before us is to make Nigeria a better nation. Each leader is committed to achieving that goal and winning the election.”
The ADC leadership’s call for solidarity underscores the critical need for the party to present a unified front as it gears up for the 2027 elections.
