The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has distanced itself from claims that its ongoing coalition talks are centered on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Labour Party’s Peter Obi, insisting that the initiative is focused on building a broad-based political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi emphasized that no individual politician, including Atiku or Obi, is at the heart of the coalition.
“The coalition has nothing to do with either Peter Obi or Atiku. They are just members like many others,” Abdullahi said. “The focus is not on them. And of course, it is within anyone’s right to have political ambitions or to run for any position.”
He noted that although political chatter on social media often speculates about 2027 contenders, such discussions are not taking place within the coalition’s internal meetings.
When asked whether the party would consider endorsing either Obi or Atiku, Abdullahi dismissed the notion.
“The party cannot align with one individual and still call itself a political party. That’s exactly how many parties collapsed in the past,” he said. “We don’t have a preferred candidate. When the time comes, we’ll follow a democratic process and allow our members to decide.”
Abdullahi made it clear that the ADC is more concerned with strengthening its structures and grassroots presence across the country than engaging in early presidential endorsements.
“Nobody within the coalition is currently talking about a presidential candidate. Our focus is on growing the party.”
Speaking on developments in northern Nigeria, Abdullahi revealed that a significant number of political actors in the region—disenchanted with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—are aligning with the coalition.
“Many who were with APC and are dissatisfied with the party’s direction are now part of this coalition. In fact, the majority of our current leaders come from the North.”
He added that widespread dissatisfaction with the APC government is pushing more stakeholders to look for credible alternatives, with the ADC positioning itself as the most viable option.
“If you look at how things have gone in the last two years—the rising hardship, insecurity, and poor governance—it’s clear that the ADC offers the only real alternative.”
Abdullahi urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and trust in the party’s vision.
“The ruling party has inflicted enough suffering on Nigerians. No one wants to endure another four years of this. The ADC is committed to freeing the people from this cycle,” he concluded.
