As speculation swirls around potential presidential candidates—former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, and former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi—the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has made clear its priority: building a principled ideological foundation before endorsing any contender.
Acting National Chairman David Mark reiterated that ADC has no favorite aspirant. He emphasized the importance of establishing a platform that reflects the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians. Mark insisted that while internal pressure may rise, the focus should remain on strengthening the party as a viable alternative.
Interim Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi reaffirmed this position, stating that ADC is developing a unified manifesto before anyone is officially declared the party’s candidate. Abdullahi stressed that aspirants must align with the party’s vision, not vice versa.
Candidates should not dictate their own manifesto—party discipline is key, Abdullahi said, citing ADC’s approach to crafting policy first.
Meanwhile, agitation continues as Atiku and Obi’s supporters call for early endorsement. Some reports suggest Atiku’s camp is lobbying Obi to accept a vice-presidential slot—an idea rejected by former ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, who argued it would undermine the South’s rightful claim to the presidency.
Any alliance where Obi plays second fiddle is unjust and politically immoral, Kachikwu stated, calling for equity and national unity.
Kachikwu accused political actors of attempting to subvert ADC’s structure through inducements and manipulation—claiming offers of bribes and unfair jockeying for leadership positions.
Recently, several high-profile resignations from PDP and APC—including Atiku’s and Dele Momodu’s—have fueled speculation of a political realignment. ADC insiders describe the wave of defections as “just the tip of the iceberg,” signaling growing momentum toward the coalition as Nigeria’s most promising opposition force.
Nigerians now face a clear choice: remain with a ruling party in decline, or join a movement of hope and reform. What you’ve seen so far is only the beginning.