Presidential aspirants under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition are set to sign an agreement committing to support whoever emerges as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
The deal, which has been agreed to in principle, hinges on the conduct of what the aspirants collectively define as a “transparent primary” process.
A final accord is expected once all parties align on the framework for a credible internal election.
Former Minister of Transportation and presidential hopeful Rotimi Amaechi confirmed the arrangement. He emphasised the need to first establish a mutual understanding of transparency in the primary process.
“What we agreed in principle, and I must say there is a need to lay the cards on the table – what we agreed is that whoever emerges from a transparent primary will be supported by everyone,” Amaechi said.
“But first, we need to sit down and define what we mean by transparent because it’s easy for someone to hijack the process and still call it transparent,” he added.
The party’s interim national chairman, Senator David Mark, had earlier declared that ADC has no anointed candidate, assuring that the party under his leadership would remain neutral and uphold internal democracy.
“We will be absolutely transparent,” Mark stated on July 8, amid rising speculations and internal lobbying.
In recent weeks, key political figures in the party including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party flagbearer Peter Obi have publicly expressed interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku, while receiving a delegation of Gombe stakeholders in Abuja last weekend, subtly hinted at his 2027 ambition but denied attending any meeting where he was urged to step down for a southern aspirant.
Peter Obi, on his part, stated in a media interview that he would contest again and dismissed claims of negotiating a vice-presidential position, asserting that no such discussions had taken place.
Meanwhile, supporters of the former 2019 running mates—Atiku and Obi—have been campaigning for their respective candidacies on social media platforms. Amaechi, who contested for the APC ticket in 2023 and lost to President Bola Tinubu, has also thrown his hat into the ring under the ADC.
In contrast, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has publicly declared he holds no presidential ambition at the moment.
