Atiku Abubakar
Abayomi Susan
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and presidential aspirant, has stated that zoning is not part of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) constitution, and the party has no plans to zone its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election. Atiku made this known during a visit to former military president, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State.
According to Atiku, only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoning formally enshrined in its constitution. The ADC, on the other hand, operates differently and doesn’t have a constitutional mandate for rotational presidency or zoning of elective offices.
This stance is supported by other prominent members of the party, including former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who said the ADC will not have zoning and will allow open contests at all levels. El-Rufai emphasized that the party is mobilizing aggressively at the grassroots, particularly at polling unit and ward levels.
The ADC state chairmen have also urged the party’s National Working Committee to abandon zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket, citing that it would weaken the party’s chances in the general election. They insist that competence, credibility, and electability should guide the choice of the party’s flagbearer.
The issue of zoning has sparked debate within the party, with some arguing it could undermine national unity and limit the pool of qualified candidates. Others see it as a way to promote fairness and equity.
Atiku’s statement has left many wondering about his intentions for the 2027 presidential election. He neither confirmed nor ruled out seeking the presidency on the platform of the ADC, leaving political observers speculating about his next move.
The ADC is positioning itself as a national alternative, with prominent politicians like Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi expressing interest in the party’s presidential ticket. The party’s ability to produce a credible candidate will depend on its ability to establish a level playing field for intra-party democracy.
