ADC speaks on how it will pick its presidential candidate

ADC speaks on how it will pick its presidential candidate

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is yet to decide how it will select its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

Party insiders revealed that the leadership may hold a competitive primary if agreement on a consensus candidate cannot be reached.

The contest for the party’s ticket has divided members between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor who joined ADC from the Labour Party (LP) last week.

Atiku moved his supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ADC to pursue his long-held presidential ambition.

Obi’s supporters are pushing for him to be named the party’s candidate without a primary, urging Atiku to step aside and allow Obi to become the consensus choice.

But Atiku’s group, which controls most of the party’s leadership structure, has so far refused to yield to the pressure.

In 2023, Obi was the LP candidate after he was picked through consensus, avoiding a primary election.

Atiku, however, has maintained that the party should hold a primary even if he ends up as the only contestant.

According to sources, Obi’s move to ADC is driven by a desire to build a stronger platform to challenge the ruling APC, as LP is considered a less secure option.

Supporters believe that Obi’s candidacy could strengthen the opposition’s chances in 2027 and that ADC offers the best opportunity for a united front.

Despite the mounting support for Obi, insiders from Atiku’s camp insist that he will not step down.

They stated that Atiku welcomes Obi into the party and is prepared to contest a presidential primary under party rules.