The African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently adopted as the political platform of Nigeria’s emerging opposition coalition, has jettisoned zoning and resolved to throw its 2027 presidential ticket open to aspirants from all regions of the country, DAILY ASSET has learned.
Insiders privy to the coalition’s ongoing alignment disclosed over the weekend that the move formed a core part of the understanding that led to the birth of the alliance among major opposition figures.
“The coalition resolved that it would be in the best interest of the party to leave the presidential ticket open to all interested aspirants,” a key figure involved in the negotiations told DAILY ASSET.
Initially, sources say, there was significant apprehension among top political actors believed to be eyeing the ADC presidential ticket. However, a consensus was reached to avoid internal friction by allowing aspirants from both the North and the South to contest freely.
This approach is also being cascaded down the party structure. According to reports, the same principle is to be applied to governorship nominations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), allowing all senatorial zones in each state to vie for the gubernatorial ticket. Similarly, local government areas will adopt an open nomination system for legislative seats in the House of Representatives and State Assemblies.
To ensure a smooth consolidation of the coalition within the ADC, party leaders have urged aspirants to exercise restraint until an official timetable for consultations is announced.
However, recent developments suggest that some prominent coalition members may already be signaling their intentions. Former Rivers State Governor, Chief Rotimi Amaechi, during a recent interview on Channels Television, confirmed that all presidential hopefuls were advised to hold back their ambitions for now.
Yet, at the weekend, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar hosted a delegation from Gombe State and unveiled parts of his potential governance blueprint. In a video widely circulated online, Atiku promised to form a government consisting of 70% women and youths, and vowed to tackle corruption head-on if elected.
Though he stopped short of a formal declaration, his comments have been interpreted as a clear signal of renewed presidential ambition.
In a swift reaction, former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, reportedly expressed preference for a southern candidate to take on incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 — a statement seen as an indirect pushback on Atiku’s positioning.
Chief Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate and a leading figure in the coalition, has also been dropping hints about another run for the presidency. His recent public engagements have reignited speculation of a potential face-off among Obi, Atiku, and Amaechi.
When contacted, aides to the three political heavyweights declined to comment on the unfolding scenario. “We cannot talk on the issue of the presidential ticket now. It’s too early,” one aide told Hobnob News.
As the ADC-led opposition continues to forge ahead, political watchers say the party’s decision to abandon zoning could either unify or fracture the coalition depending on how the ambitions of its top contenders are managed.
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