The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected claims that it is being prepared as a political platform for the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The party said it belongs to all its members and is not controlled by any individual or group.
The clarification was made by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, during an interview on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television on Friday. Abdullahi described the claims linking the party to Atiku’s personal ambition as false and misleading.
According to him, the ADC is a self-governing political party guided by clear rules and collective leadership. He stressed that no one person can lay claim to the party or dictate its direction.
“The ADC does not belong to any one person,” Abdullahi said. “It is a party that is open to all Nigerians who believe in its ideals. Anyone suggesting that it is owned by or reserved for one individual does not understand how the party works.”
In recent weeks, there have been speculations in political circles that the ADC is being positioned to serve as a platform for Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Atiku, who has contested the presidency several times under different parties, remains one of the most prominent figures in Nigerian politics.
These rumours gained strength following reports that some influential politicians were either joining or showing interest in the ADC. This led to claims that the party was becoming a gathering point for opposition heavyweights ahead of the next general election.
However, Abdullahi dismissed such interpretations, insisting that the ADC’s openness to well-known politicians should not be misread as evidence of a hidden agenda.
He pointed out that the party has always welcomed people from different political backgrounds, including former presidential candidates and ex-ministers. As examples, he mentioned former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
“Peter Obi can join the ADC because the party is open,” Abdullahi said. “Rotimi Amaechi is already a member. This does not mean the party belongs to them. It simply shows that ADC is a platform that welcomes Nigerians from all walks of life.”
The ADC spokesperson explained that the party operates on the principle of collective ownership. This means that decisions are taken through consultation and established internal processes, not by the influence of powerful individuals.
He said members of the ADC clearly understand this principle and are not worried by the presence or interest of prominent politicians.
“Those of us inside the party know how it works,” he said. “We know that no one person can hijack the ADC. Our structure does not allow that.”
Abdullahi also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of fuelling the rumours for political reasons. According to him, the APC is trying to interfere in the internal affairs of the ADC by spreading speculation and distrust.
He alleged that the governing party feels threatened by the growing profile of the ADC and the interest it is attracting from well-known political figures.
“This noise is not coming from within the ADC,” Abdullahi claimed. “It is being driven from outside, especially by the APC, which wants to distract us and create confusion.”
Nigeria’s political landscape has often been shaped by defections, mergers and alliances, especially as elections draw closer. Smaller parties sometimes become attractive to politicians who are dissatisfied with the major parties or are looking for new platforms to pursue their ambitions.
Founded in 2005, the ADC has positioned itself as an alternative to the dominant parties, promising internal democracy, inclusion and issue-based politics. Although it has not yet won the presidency, the party has continued to build its structure across the country.
In the 2019 presidential election, the ADC presented former Obasanjo ally, Obadiah Mailafia, as its candidate before internal issues affected its campaign. Since then, the party has worked to rebuild its image and strengthen its internal processes.
Abdullahi said lessons from the past have helped the party improve its internal democracy and transparency. He assured Nigerians that the ADC would not impose any candidate on its members.
Addressing concerns about the party’s future presidential ticket, Abdullahi said the ADC would follow due process in selecting its candidate when the time comes.
“Whoever becomes our presidential candidate will emerge through a transparent and credible process,” he said. “It could be Atiku, it could be someone else. What matters is that the process will be fair.”
He stressed that the outcome of any primary election within the ADC is not pre-arranged. According to him, all aspirants will have equal opportunities to contest, provided they meet the party’s requirements.
This assurance comes at a time when many Nigerians are increasingly concerned about the lack of internal democracy in political parties. In the past, allegations of imposition of candidates have led to internal crises and defections across several parties.
By highlighting transparency, the ADC appears to be trying to present itself as a credible alternative to voters who are unhappy with the traditional political system.
As discussions about the 2027 elections gradually begin, parties like the ADC are expected to play a bigger role in shaping political debates, especially if they succeed in attracting strong candidates and presenting clear policy alternatives.
For now, the ADC leadership insists that the party should be judged by its actions and principles, not by rumours.
“The ADC is not anyone’s personal project,” Abdullahi said. “It is a national party, and it will continue to belong to its members and the Nigerian people.”
