Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos, has predicted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will secure the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 elections, with significant international backing.
In a statement released by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, and sent to Legit.ng, Primate Ayodele declared: "The ADC ticket is for Atiku, and they are getting international support." He added that northerners are tired of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and do not want a peaceful election, warning that if President Bola Tinubu loses, all APC governors will also face defeat.
Peter Obi Declares Candidacy
In February, Peter Obi, who served as Atiku's running mate in the 2019 elections, officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. While campaigning for an ADC candidate in Abuja, the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate stated: "I am involved and contesting the coming election as number one."
Since joining the ADC, Obi's supporters, including members of the Obidient movement, have urged the party to make him its flagbearer. However, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric, emphasizing the need for unity as the party prepares for future elections.
ADC Coalition and Opposition Front
Atiku and Obi are members of the ADC coalition, which was officially unveiled in July 2025 by several high-profile former political officeholders. The coalition aims to form a strong opposition front to challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 presidential race. Former Senate President David Mark, now the national chairman of the ADC, stated that the coalition seeks to "save Nigeria's democracy and prevent Nigeria from becoming a one-party state."
Other aspirants for the ADC ticket include former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and ex-banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. The party's presidential primaries are expected to take place later in 2026.
Discreet Talks with Goodluck Jonathan
Earlier reports indicated that the ADC has been holding discreet talks with former President Goodluck Jonathan over a possible presidential run in 2027. A principal member of the ADC confirmed the discussions but stated that the party has not decided on offering Jonathan an automatic ticket.
The ADC was originally founded in 2005 and is positioning itself as a united opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
