Fresh cracks have widened within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as powerful factions loyal to Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso jostle for control ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
The internal turmoil is unfolding against a backdrop of unresolved leadership disputes and uncertainty surrounding the party’s legal recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The crisis intensified after INEC declined to recognise the current leadership structure of the party, following a Court of Appeal ruling that questioned the emergence of key figures, including former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, into the ADC’s National Working Committee.
With at least three factions now laying claim to the party’s leadership, several state chapters have been unable to conduct congresses, leaving the party’s internal framework in disarray.
Despite the controversy, the ADC went ahead with its national convention in Abuja on Tuesday without INEC monitoring — a move widely viewed by political observers as both legally risky and politically contentious.
At the centre of the unfolding power struggle are three heavyweight opposition figures: Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, all believed to be positioning for the party’s presidential ticket.
Efforts to forge unity have already hit a roadblock. Allies of Atiku are pushing for a joint ticket with Obi, arguing that their 2019 alliance demonstrates a workable partnership. Media personality Dele Momodu publicly endorsed the proposal, insisting it could strengthen the opposition’s chances.
However, Obi’s camp has firmly rejected the idea, insisting the presidency must return to the South in line with zoning principles. Tanko Yunusa, coordinator of the Obedient Movement, warned that handing the ticket to a northern candidate could undermine the party’s prospects in 2027. He argued that once zoned to the South, Obi should emerge as the party’s flagbearer, potentially alongside Kwankwaso.
Tensions have also been heightened by fears among Obi supporters that Atiku’s entrenched political network could give him a decisive advantage in an open primary. This has fueled calls for the party to formally zone the ticket to the South to ensure a level playing field.
Peter Obi has also reiterated his opposition to what he described as “transactional primaries,” vowing not to participate in any process he perceives as monetised or manipulated.
In response, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi has assured members that the party remains committed to a transparent and credible primary process, promising equal treatment for all aspirants.
Yet, with legal uncertainty, factional leadership disputes, and an intensifying battle for the presidential ticket, the ADC’s ambition to present a united opposition front in 2027 appears increasingly fragile.
The contest for the party’s ticket may still be in its early stages, but the fault lines are already unmistakable.
