July 09, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has directed all its leaders with presidential ambitions to suspend public expressions of interest until the party’s structures are solidified ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This directive was announced by a key stakeholder in the party, Malam Salihu Moh. Lukman, during an appearance on AIT’s Jigsaw programme in Abuja.
According to Lukman, the party is determined to build a strong and independent structure that can regulate the conduct of all its members, including elected representatives and aspirants.
“What we are telling everybody in the coalition is that the structures of the party will not be handed over to aspiring candidates,” Lukman stated.
“We have to build the party in a way that it can regulate everyone – aspirants and office holders alike.”
The directive is seen as a move to prevent any aspirant from hijacking the party’s platform and to ensure that the ADC operates independently.
Lukman emphasized that the party’s unity is currently being maintained due to a consensus among leaders to withhold public declarations of ambition while foundational work is being done.
“I think that the suspension of the expression of ambition has to continue,” Lukman noted. “I can see some leaders have already become hyper-reactive.”
The ADC’s decision comes amid concerns over internal disunity and the fear of pre-election failure.
The party has attracted several high-profile figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party flagbearer Peter Obi, and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, who are rumoured to be eyeing the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Lukman also commented on the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), a political association pushing for a credible alternative to the ruling party.
He described the ADA and the choice of ADC as a strategic move by opposition leaders to give Nigerians a real political option in 2027 and prevent the emergence of a one-party state.
“A special committee was set up by the coalition, and it’s based on the determination that we are not going to leave anything unturned to ensure that by 2027, we present an option to Nigerians,” Lukman explained.
“We are not going to allow a situation where the country is set up for a one-party state.”
