By Ola Wale
Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi are among the frontrunners for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket in the 2027 elections. The ADC has been adopted as a platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. Atiku, a former Vice President, is seeking the presidency since 1993, while Amaechi, a former Rivers State Governor, has indicated interest in running for president. Obi, a former Anambra State Governor, was the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023.
The ADC is expected to zone its presidential ticket to the South, with Obi and Amaechi indicating they would serve only one term if elected. Atiku, however, is pushing for the ticket, sparking concerns of internal conflicts within the party. Dele Momodu, a close ally of Atiku, has ruled out any possibility of Atiku withdrawing from the 2027 presidential race in favor of Obi. The rumored withdrawal has been firmly dismissed, with Momodu insisting that Atiku has no reason to abandon the race.
The ADC’s interim chairman, David Mark, has cautioned against speculating on the party’s presidential candidate, emphasizing that all party members are equal stakeholders. Mark stated that the ADC has no preferred or favorite presidential aspirant but is focused on creating a platform attractive to majority Nigerians. The party’s primary and national convention will determine its standard-bearer for the 2027 polls.
Atiku’s ambition has been met with resistance from some quarters, with Nasir El-Rufai, a former Kaduna State Governor, insisting that the presidency must remain in the South until 2031. El-Rufai’s stance has been echoed by some Obi supporters, who argue that Obi should be given the presidential ticket due to his strong showing in the 2023 elections.
The ADC’s decision on its presidential candidate is expected to have significant implications for the 2027 elections. If the party zones its ticket to the South, it could automatically shut the door on Atiku’s ambitions. However, if the party decides to throw its primaries open to contestants from every part of Nigeria, Atiku could still have a chance.
The ADC’s presidential ticket is shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle, with multiple candidates vying for the top spot. As the party navigates its internal conflicts and zoning dynamics, Nigerians will be watching closely to see who emerges as the ADC’s standard-bearer for the 2027 elections.
