The crisis plaguing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a coalition party, is poised to escalate, as the gladiators within the party are not willing to shelve their presidential ambitions.
Many members are grappling with individual clandestine manoeuvres concerning the allocation of party tickets, adding layers of complexity to an already fragile alliance.
Frustrations are mounting, particularly regarding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s unwavering ambition to secure the presidential nomination as a northern candidate.
This obstinacy has ignited a call among southern members for a candidate from their region, with Peter Obi emerging as a favoured contender for many in the south.
The divergence in aspirations is fostering a sense of betrayal among coalition members who once united with the hope of challenging the incumbent government.
Originally, the ADC was established with the strategic vision of unifying forces to mount a formidable challenge against the ruling party in the 2027 elections.
However, this initial goal is now shrouded in disillusionment, as numerous members express regret over their decision to join the coalition.
Reports indicate that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is particularly dismayed by the unfolding internal discord, which he allegedly attributes to Atiku’s steadfastness in pursuing the presidency from a northern perspective.
Meanwhile, the growing support for Peter Obi has intensified tensions within the coalition’s leadership, creating fractures in what was once envisioned as a harmonious partnership. The rift signifies the potential for a significant shift in the coalition’s dynamics, raising questions about its viability moving forward.
A reliable source within the party said, “The only issue in ADC right now is Atiku plotting every means to be declared presidential candidate of the party, which did not go well with El-Rufai, who is supporting Obi indirectly. El-Rufai wanted the Southern candidate to emerge from ADC, while everyone in the coalition could come together to support the Southern candidate with an agenda to unseat Tinubu.
“El-Rufai’s agenda is simple: he wants a reliable Southern candidate so that he can complete Tinubu’s four-year tenure if the party wins in 2027.
“As for Peter Obi, El-Rufai is already seeing that Obi is losing out because his recent campaign in Anambra showed he’s committed to ADC. Meaning that Obi has left the Labour Party indirectly, and even if he goes back tactically, he may have serious issues getting the party ticket. Even some northerners are not happy with Atiku over his decision to contest as a northerner. Some coalition leaders already believe that Atiku cannot defeat Tinubu if he continues with his ambition of becoming President by all means.
“The agenda of the coalition is to come together and defeat this current government of hardship, but some people are already regretting joining the coalition because of Atiku’s camp. He’s not ready to step down; instead, he wants to offer an appointment to Obi.”
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has said it’s under pressure to zone its presidential ticket in 2027.
ADC’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Jackie Wayas, said the party’s National Executive Committee, NEC, holds the final decision on zoning or rotation of the presidential ticket.
Wayas also disclosed that the ADC is deliberating on either adopting zoning or open primary system in deciding its presidential flag bearer.
The ADC’s coalition leadership should be manly enough to zone the 2027 presidency to the South, and by extension, to Southeast, and to Peter Obi, since he has pledged to serve for just one term. And after him, the North will take over in 2031