The African Democratic Congress is yet to determine how it will select its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Party insiders disclosed that the leadership may conduct a competitive primary if an agreement cannot be reached on a consensus candidate.
The struggle for the party’s ticket has reportedly split members between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor who recently joined the party from the Labour Party.
Atiku moved his supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party to the African Democratic Congress in pursuit of his long-standing presidential ambition.
Supporters of Obi are pushing for him to be adopted as the party’s candidate without a primary, urging Atiku to step aside and allow Obi to emerge as the consensus choice.
However, Atiku’s camp, which is believed to control a significant portion of the party’s leadership structure, has so far refused to bow to the pressure.
In 2023, Obi became the Labour Party presidential candidate through a consensus arrangement, which removed the need for a primary election.
Atiku, on the other hand, has insisted that the party should conduct a primary, even if he eventually remains the only aspirant in the contest.
According to party sources, Obi’s decision to move to the African Democratic Congress is motivated by a desire to build a stronger political platform capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress, as the Labour Party is regarded as a less secure option.
Supporters believe Obi’s candidacy could boost the opposition’s chances in 2027 and that the ADC provides a better opportunity for a united political front.
Despite the increasing support for Obi, insiders from Atiku’s camp insist that he will not withdraw from the race.
They maintained that Atiku welcomes Obi into the party and is prepared to participate in a presidential primary conducted in line with party rules.
