The internal race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket has intensified divisions within the party, as rival camps of leading aspirants clash over zoning, leadership structure, and candidate selection ahead of the 2027 elections.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing leadership disputes within the party, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly not recognising any of the competing factions laying claim to the ADC’s leadership following a Court of Appeal decision involving figures such as David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
Despite holding a recent national convention in Abuja without INEC oversight, the party continues to face internal fragmentation, with many state structures unable to conduct congresses due to factional divisions.
At the centre of the contest are three major political blocs aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, all of whom recently moved into the ADC amid broader political realignments ahead of 2027.
While Atiku’s camp has floated a potential Atiku–Obi ticket, Obi’s supporters have rejected the idea, insisting that the presidential ticket should be zoned to the South.
Supporters of Obi argue that he represents the strongest electoral option for the party, while also proposing a possible Obi–Kwankwaso pairing as a more balanced alternative.
However, Atiku’s allies maintain that a partnership between Atiku and Obi would give the opposition a stronger chance at defeating the ruling party, citing their past political collaboration.
The disagreement has exposed deeper tensions over zoning, leadership direction, and candidate legitimacy, with both sides warning that failure to agree could weaken the party’s chances in 2027.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi has maintained that the party will ensure a fair and open primary process for all aspirants despite the ongoing disputes.
