State chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have urged the party’s National Working Committee to drop zoning of its 2027 presidential ticket and instead conduct an open, transparent, and credible primary capable of producing a widely acceptable candidate.
Speaking exclusively to The PUNCH, the ADC Chairmen Forum—led by Kingsley Ogga (Kogi), with Kennedy Odion (Edo) as Secretary and Arabi Mustapha (Adamawa)—warned that zoning would weaken the party’s electoral chances and undermine its growing role as a coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The chairmen stressed that competence, credibility, and electability—not geopolitical considerations—should determine the party’s flagbearer.
Their stance comes amid intensifying internal debates following the influx of high-profile politicians into the ADC. Since July 2025, when the party was adopted as the opposition coalition vehicle, ADC—under National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola—has expanded its national structures and appeal.
Several heavyweight aspirants have since joined, including Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi. With more declarations expected, disagreements have sharpened—some Obi supporters pushing for Southern zoning, while Atiku’s allies and others insist on an open contest.
ADC chairmen are clear: only a free and fair primary can deliver a candidate strong enough to unite the opposition and win in 2027.
