Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has addressed growing public interest and concerns surrounding the potential presidential bids of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general election. His comments come amid speculation about how the party intends to position itself in what is expected to be a highly competitive political landscape.
During an in-depth interview on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Friday, Abdullahi acknowledged that the situation does present a challenge for the ADC. However, he cautioned against framing it as an existential threat to Nigeria’s democracy, urging the public and media to approach the matter with measured perspective.
“I may not describe the situation in such superlative terms as the greatest threat to democracy. But is it a conundrum? Yes. Is it a challenge? Yes. Is it something we are concerned about? Yes,” Abdullahi stated, highlighting the party’s recognition of the complexities involved while maintaining a balanced view of the political context.
ADC focuses on strengthening national structures
Abdullahi further emphasised that the ADC’s main priority at this stage is consolidating and expanding its presence across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The party aims to build a robust foundation that will enable it to compete effectively and present a credible alternative to voters in the 2027 elections.
“Nobody in ADC at this time is focused on who the presidential candidates will be. Our main task is building our national structures and developing capacity to contest elections nationwide,” he explained, underlining the party’s long-term strategic approach rather than immediate candidate speculation.
He also detailed the party’s intended process for selecting its 2027 presidential candidate, noting that a consensus-based approach would be preferred. However, he added that should consensus prove unattainable, the ADC plans to open the nomination process to all interested aspirants, ensuring a fair and inclusive selection mechanism that is not limited to high-profile figures such as Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi.
“The most important thing is, when the time comes, we’ll aim for a consensus. But if we cannot reach one, we’ll open the race to all aspirants. There are other people interested in contesting the presidency, so it’s not only about Atiku and Peter Obi,” Abdullahi clarified, highlighting the party’s commitment to democratic principles and internal inclusivity.
In addition to internal preparations, the ADC is reportedly engaging with other political parties and stakeholders to explore potential coalitions and alliances that could strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 elections. This approach signals the party’s intent to be a serious contender on the national stage while promoting collaboration and strategic partnerships within Nigeria’s evolving political environment.