Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, says the AfriNasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not zone its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
El-Rufai disclosed this on Monday during an interview with Trust TV, where he outlined the party’s strategy, mobilisation drive, and internal reforms.
ADC Pushes Open and Competitive Primaries
According to el-Rufai, the ADC is deliberately positioning itself as a party driven by internal democracy and transparency.
To this end, he said the party will conduct open, free, and fair primaries, firmly rejecting zoning arrangements and forced consensus.
As a result, all aspirants will have equal opportunities to contest.
“At the top level, we are preparing,” he said. “We are working on our manifesto and our platform.”
In addition, el-Rufai said the party is engaging presidential, gubernatorial, and other aspirants to agree on clear and enforceable rules.
“There will be no zoning. There will be no forcing anyone to step down,” he said.
“Everyone will contest freely, and whoever wins will receive the full support of all.”
Party Intensifies Grassroots Mobilisation
Beyond internal planning, el-Rufai said the ADC is also expanding its mobilisation efforts nationwide.
At the same time, he noted that growing public anger over governance is energising political participation across the country.
Consequently, he dismissed claims that the party lacks grassroots support and challenged critics to test its popularity without state protection.
“If you think the ADC has no grassroots support, ask some National Assembly members to visit their constituencies without a garrison of soldiers and police,” he said.
ADC Constitutes Manifesto Drafting Committee
Meanwhile, the ADC has already announced the formation of a 50-man manifesto drafting committee.
Specifically, former APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun chairs the committee.
Similarly, Prof Pat Utomi, a political economist and public affairs analyst, serves as deputy chairman.
According to the party, the committee will develop a comprehensive policy framework to guide its governance agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi, Atiku, Amaechi Eye ADC Ticket
As preparations continue to gather momentum, several political heavyweights are expected to jostle for the ADC’s presidential ticket.
Among them are Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate; Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president; and Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation.
With zoning clearly ruled out, the contest is expected to be intense and highly competitive.
Ultimately, the ADC leadership says internal democracy and inclusiveness will shape the party’s path as it positions itself as an alternative platform ahead of the 2027 general election.
