Presidential aspirants under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition are set to sign a landmark agreement committing to support whoever emerges as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
The unity deal—already agreed to in principle—will be formalized once all aspirants align on a mutually accepted framework for a “transparent primary” process. The agreement is seen as a significant step toward consolidating the party’s position as a serious third-force contender in the upcoming election cycle.
Former Minister of Transportation and presidential hopeful, Rotimi Amaechi, confirmed the arrangement during a political briefing. He emphasized the importance of trust and transparency in the primary process, warning that vague standards could be exploited.
“What we agreed in principle—and I must say there is a need to lay the cards on the table—is that whoever emerges from a transparent primary will be supported by everyone,” Amaechi said.
“But first, we need to sit down and define what we mean by transparent, because it’s easy for someone to hijack the process and still call it transparent,” he added.
The ADC’s interim national chairman, Senator David Mark, reinforced the party’s commitment to neutrality, declaring that the party has no anointed candidate. Speaking during a media interaction on July 8, Mark assured Nigerians that internal democracy would be the bedrock of the party's candidate selection.
“We will be absolutely transparent,” he said, amid growing speculation and internal lobbying.
The party's presidential ticket is drawing increasing attention, with several heavyweight politicians under its coalition structure already expressing interest in running for the highest office.
Among them are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party (LP) flagbearer Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi himself—who previously contested for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket in 2023 but lost to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Atiku, during a meeting with Gombe stakeholders in Abuja last weekend, gave subtle hints about his 2027 ambition, while also debunking claims that he had agreed to step aside for a southern candidate.
Peter Obi, in a recent media interview, reaffirmed his intention to run in 2027, categorically denying rumors that he was negotiating for a vice-presidential position.
“There have been no such discussions,” Obi said. “I’m in the race to lead, not to deputize.”
Meanwhile, social media has become a battleground of ideas and loyalties, with supporters of both Obi and Atiku actively campaigning for their preferred aspirants, despite the party’s ongoing efforts to promote unity and discipline.
In contrast, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai—another notable figure often associated with future presidential ambitions—has publicly ruled himself out of the race for now, stating that he holds no interest in contesting in 2027.
As the ADC works to position itself as a viable alternative to the ruling APC and the main opposition PDP, the proposed unity pact among aspirants is being viewed as a major political development that could redefine coalition politics in Nigeria.
Political analysts suggest that if successfully implemented, the agreement could create a rare show of discipline and internal cohesion in Nigeria’s usually fractious political landscape—potentially giving the ADC a stronger footing as the 2027 general election approaches.
