The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says its immediate priority is strengthening its national structure rather than resolving the unresolved political relationship between former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, whose lack of collaboration has raised concerns ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking on Morning Show, a programme on Arise Television, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi acknowledged that the absence of a united front between the two major opposition figures poses a challenge, but stressed that the party is not yet focused on presidential permutations.
While responding to questions on whether the Obi–Atiku divide could undermine efforts to build a strong opposition platform, Abdullahi described the situation as worrying but not catastrophic. He said the party recognises the political implications of their non-alignment but insists that conversations about candidates are premature.
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“I may not describe the situation in such superlative terms to say it’s the greatest threat to democracy,” Abdullahi said. “But is it a conundrum? Yes. Is it a challenge? Yes. And is it something we are concerned about? Yes.”
According to him, the ADC is currently preoccupied with expanding its presence nationwide to ensure it can effectively contest elections across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He emphasised that internal discussions within the party are centred on organisation, mobilisation and grassroots development rather than zoning arrangements or presidential tickets.
“Nobody in the ADC at this time is having conversations about who the presidential candidates will be,” he said. “We have so much work to do to establish our real presence and put ourselves in a position to contest elections everywhere in the country.”
Abdullahi also rejected the notion that the ADC’s political future revolves solely around Atiku and Obi. He said the party is mindful that other political figures have shown interest in the presidential race and that it must create a fair process that accommodates all aspirants.
He explained that when the time comes, the party would first attempt to build consensus around a candidate. However, if that effort fails, the ADC would open the contest to a competitive process.
“The most important thing is that we try to engineer a consensus,” Abdullahi said. “But if we are not able to reach one, then we will open it up for everyone to contest. It’s not a central case between Atiku and Peter Obi.”
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The ADC spokesperson further revealed that the party is exploring broader coalition talks, including discussions with figures and groups in other political parties, as part of efforts to build a formidable opposition ahead of 2027.
His comments come amid concerns raised earlier this month by Obi, who said the ADC-led coalition was faltering due to unresolved issues around zoning and the rotation of key offices. Obi has yet to formally register as a member of the ADC, while Atiku has already picked up his membership card.
Abdullahi said Obi’s hesitation underscores the fact that the party is still evolving and urged him to make a decision, noting that ADC is not yet at the stage of adopting zoning arrangements.
As political realignments continue ahead of 2027, the ADC maintains that institution-building, rather than individual ambitions, remains its overriding focus.
