Atiku, Kwankwaso, Amaechi, others converge on Ibadan summit
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a proposed power-sharing framework aimed at preserving unity within Nigeria’s opposition ranks ahead of the 2027 presidential election, amid concerns that competing ambitions could trigger divisions after party primaries.
The proposal, described as a “collegiate system,” seeks to move away from winner-takes-all politics by promoting a shared governance structure in which key actors retain influence even after the emergence of a single presidential candidate.
Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise TV, ADC chieftain Lukman Salihu said the initiative is designed to entrench collective decision-making and prevent the concentration of power in one office.
“The framework we are putting together is collegiate in nature. It is not one where a single individual takes everything,” he said. “Our leaders are committed to ensuring that if we form the next government, it will not be run as an empire under one person, but as a team where decisions are jointly taken.”
The development comes as prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, intensify consultations over a possible coalition, with supporters advancing differing preferences on who should lead the alliance.
Salihu dismissed suggestions that the competition reflects disunity, describing it instead as a natural feature of democratic politics.
“What you are seeing is contestation. Without contestation, it ceases to be politics,” he noted.
He explained that the proposed model is intended to keep all aspirants engaged in the process regardless of the outcome of the primaries.
“One candidate will emerge, but as part of a collective—not as someone who defeats others and sidelines them,” he added.
Beyond the power-sharing plan, the party said it has articulated a governance agenda anchored on a manifesto adopted at its last national convention. According to Salihu, the document prioritises citizen-centred policies aimed at addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
He disclosed that a 50-member committee developed the policy framework, although legal and internal issues have delayed its formal public presentation.
“We are working to ensure a transparent screening process that produces candidates who are both competent and broadly acceptable to Nigerians,” he said.
Salihu also took aim at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of straying from its founding principles and weakening internal party discipline.
“It is disappointing to see where the APC stands today. Consensus arrangements across states have largely broken down, and instead of parties regulating elected officials, the reverse is now the case,” he said.
He stressed that rebuilding party structures and enforcing discipline remain central to the opposition’s strategy, noting that the collegiate model would strengthen party organs and ensure accountability among elected officials.
On the absence of some political actors from ongoing coalition talks, Salihu maintained that participation is voluntary.
“It is their choice, and we respect that,” he said.
Addressing concerns that aspirants may defect if they fail to secure the presidential ticket, he expressed confidence that key figures would remain within the fold.
“I do not see someone like Amaechi walking away if another candidate emerges. He will remain part of the collective,” he said.
Despite underlying tensions, the ADC expressed optimism that opposition forces would ultimately coalesce around a single candidate capable of mounting a credible challenge in 2027.
“We are prepared to face the realities as they are, and we believe Nigerians will make the right choice in the end,” Salihu added.