Fresh details have emerged on why the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has yet to name its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Insiders within the opposition coalition say the party is deliberately slowing down the process.
The aim, they explained, is to avoid internal crisis and allow a broader agreement among key stakeholders.
Party leaders, who spoke privately, dismissed claims that there is confusion or division within the coalition. They insisted that talks on the presidential ticket have not officially started.
One of the sources said the party is focused on unity above all else. According to him, “What we agreed on is that we will not allow the issue of presidential standard-bearer to divide the coalition. That is what our opponents believe would happen, but we are certain to beat them to the game. The United Opposition Movement will work tirelessly to midwife a consensus arrangement because it is the cheaper option. It is only when a consensus is difficult to attain that we will go to the second option, which is the direct primary option.”
Another party insider linked the delay to ongoing legal issues. He said members are waiting for clarity from the Supreme Court of Nigeria before moving forward.
“The story of a decision over the issue of a consensus candidate is APC propaganda. No one has even started discussing the matter. Everyone is waiting for the Supreme Court decision. Obviously, in any party that does not have a candidate, people would have opinions, and that is what democracy is all about. Calling that a division is not right,” the source added.
Findings, however, suggest that behind the scenes, the framework for selecting a candidate has already been outlined. The party is expected to first explore a consensus arrangement. This would involve assessing aspirants and identifying a candidate with the strongest chance against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Zoning, a major issue in Nigerian politics, is also being considered, though not yet finalised. Sources say the party is open to candidates from both the North and the South.
Top figures linked to the ADC presidential race include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party flag bearer Peter Obi, former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.
While the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have maintained zoning traditions over the years, the ADC has yet to take a clear position on power rotation.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising over alleged external interference in the party’s affairs. The Grassroots Mobilisation Network (GMN), a support group within the ADC, has accused the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of making comments that appear to favour individuals previously expelled from the party.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Idris Bala Musa, the group criticised what it described as attempts to influence internal party matters. The group specifically mentioned Bala Nafiu and Honourable Leke Abejide, both of whom were expelled over alleged anti-party activities.
GMN said the remarks attributed to Gbajabiamila were made during a private celebration. It warned that such actions, if true, could undermine democratic principles and weaken opposition parties.
The group further described the situation as “a disturbing level of interference,” adding that it could have wider implications for Nigeria’s political space ahead of future elections.
However, It also argued that imposing individuals on a political party goes against constitutional provisions. The group referenced Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association, as well as sections of the Electoral Act that protect party independence.
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