In a significant move that could reshape the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, state chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have collectively called on the party's national leadership to completely abandon the zoning of its presidential ticket.
Open Contest vs. Zoning: The Core Debate
The chairmen issued a strong warning, stating that adhering to a zoning arrangement would severely weaken the party's electoral chances in 2027. They argued it would also undermine the ADC's burgeoning role as a coalition platform for opposition forces aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu's administration.
Instead, the party stalwarts are advocating for an open, transparent, and credible primary election. They insist that the criteria of competence, credibility, and electability must take precedence over any geopolitical considerations in selecting the party's flagbearer.
Chairmen Warn of Self-Sabotage
Speaking authoritatively on behalf of the forum, the Chairman of the ADC Chairmen Forum and Kogi State Chairman, Kingsley Ogga, described zoning as an act of self-sabotage for a party positioning itself as a national alternative.
"As a stakeholder, my opinion is simple: the process should be open to everyone. There should be no zoning," Ogga declared. "Whoever emerges through a free and fair contest should take the ticket."
He elaborated that zoning artificially narrows a party's ambition to one section of the country, excluding other capable Nigerians. "Our goal is to field the best candidate who can defeat President Tinubu and rescue Nigeria," he added, emphasizing that a transparent primary process is crucial for preserving party unity.
ADC Positioned as National Rescue Platform
Echoing this sentiment, the Secretary of the ADC Chairmen Forum and Edo State Chairman, Kennedy Odion, stated that the party is increasingly viewed as a rescue platform for Nigeria. He cautioned that getting the candidate selection process wrong could have long-term consequences.
"Zoning does not represent competence. If a party restricts its presidential ticket to a particular zone, it limits the range of capable candidates and could compromise development and progress," Odion argued.
He stressed the urgent need for a primary election that Nigerians can trust, one that prioritizes national interest over sectional interest to produce the most competent candidate.
The Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, Arabi Mustapha, reinforced the warning, stating that zoning sends the wrong signal of limited options and could ultimately do more harm than good to both the party's prospects and national unity.
This internal party development occurs amidst a broader political context where figures like Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi, whose political affiliation remains a subject of speculation, are seen as potential contenders for the 2027 presidency. The ADC's decision on its selection process could significantly influence the opposition's strategy and cohesion.
The party had previously made overtures to prominent figures including former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Senate President Bukola Saraki to join its ranks, signaling its ambition to become a major political force.
