The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the ongoing discussions about the 2027 presidential ticket, potentially featuring former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, as challenging.

Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, shared this view on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday. He clarified that while challenging, this issue is not “the greatest threat to democracy” at present. However, he acknowledged it remains a significant concern for the party.

ADC’s Focus: Strengthening Party Structures

Abdullahi stated that the ADC’s primary focus right now is on strengthening its structures nationwide. The party is not currently discussing potential presidential candidates. Their goal is to establish a robust presence across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This effort forms a key part of their preparations for the upcoming election cycle.

Beyond Atiku and Obi: Broader Aspirations

Abdullahi further explained that the 2027 presidential race is not solely centered on Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. He noted that other individuals have also expressed interest in seeking the party’s presidential ticket. The ADC is committed to allowing for these broader aspirations.

“I may not describe the situation in such superlative terms to say that it’s the greatest threat to democracy at the moment,” Abdullahi said. “But is it a conundrum? Yes. Is it a challenge? Yes. Is it something we are concerned about? Yes.”

He added that the ADC is not having conversations about specific presidential candidates at this time. The party has extensive work to do to establish a real presence. This will enable them to contest elections effectively across Nigeria.

Candidate Selection and Coalition Building

Regarding candidate selection, Abdullahi mentioned that the party plans to engineer a consensus when the time comes. This consensus remains a viable option for the ADC. However, if a consensus cannot be reached, the party will likely open up the contest to all interested aspirants.

He reiterated that the process is not exclusive to Atiku and Peter Obi. Many other individuals are also keen on contesting the presidential race. The party will make allowances for these diverse interests. Abdullahi also hinted at other options the ADC is exploring. These include discussions with other political parties to build a formidable coalition for 2027.