How ADC Presidential Candidate will be picked — Report

Leaders of the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress are planning to select their presidential candidate through a consensus arrangement, with a decision expected by late May.

Party insiders say no formal selection process has started, but discussions are already leaning toward agreement among key stakeholders. A direct primary remains an alternative if consensus efforts fail.

One senior party source said the coalition is intentionally avoiding anything that could split its ranks.

“What we agreed on is that we will not allow the issue of presidential standard-bearer to divide the coalition… The United Opposition Movement will work tirelessly to midwife a consensus arrangement because it is the cheaper option.”

The source added that a fallback option exists if consensus proves difficult.

Another insider linked the delay to ongoing judicial matters.

“No one has even started discussing the matter. Everyone is waiting for the Supreme Court decision.”

The source also dismissed claims of internal crisis, arguing that open discussion among aspirants should not be misinterpreted as division.

Despite the informal tone of current talks, party strategists are said to have outlined a working framework for candidate selection. This includes evaluating potential contenders based on national appeal, political strength, and perceived competitiveness against the ruling party. Zoning remains unresolved, though stakeholders say both northern and southern aspirants are being considered.

Among those linked to the process are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, former NNPP flagbearer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi. Their regional spread cuts across the North-East, North-West, South-East, and South-South.

Unlike the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which operate informal zoning arrangements, the ADC has not adopted a formal power-sharing formula.

In a separate reaction, the Grassroots Mobilisation Network (GMN), a coalition support group, criticised comments attributed to Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alleging support for individuals previously expelled from the party.

The group described the development as troubling.

“A disturbing level of interference in the affairs of an opposition party,” GMN said, warning against attempts to destabilise party structures.

It added that such actions, if confirmed, could undermine constitutional protections for political association and weaken democratic competition ahead of future elections.