The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over the emerging situation surrounding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 presidential election. According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, this development presents a challenge that the party must address, although it is not considered the greatest threat to democracy.

Abdullahi made this statement on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he emphasized that the party’s primary focus is on strengthening its structures nationwide, rather than discussing potential presidential candidates. The ADC is working to establish a strong presence across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as part of its preparations for the election cycle.

While the Atiku-Obi question is one of the matters the party must eventually resolve, Abdullahi clarified that the party will prioritize building consensus when the time comes. If consensus fails, the contest would be open to all aspirants. It is worth noting that the race is not centered solely on Atiku and Obi, as other individuals have also indicated interest in seeking the party’s presidential ticket.

The ADC is exploring multiple options, including discussions with other political parties, to form a formidable coalition ahead of 2027. Abdullahi stressed that the party has a lot of work to do, including establishing its presence and being in a position to contest elections in all states. The party’s goal is to engineer consensus, but if this is not possible, it will open up the contest to all interested candidates.

The developments surrounding Atiku and Obi have cast doubts over the ADC coalition, but the party remains focused on its preparations for the election. With the 2027 presidential election approaching, the ADC’s ability to address the emerging challenges and build a strong coalition will be crucial in determining its success. As the party continues to work on establishing its presence and building consensus, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming months.