ADC’s “Consensus” Plot for 2027 Sparks Fears of Backroom Candidate Imposition

 

In what appears to be yet another politically convenient move dressed up as strategy, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has revealed plans to adopt a so-called “consensus” method in picking its presidential flag bearer for the 2027 general elections an approach many observers see as a subtle way of avoiding internal democratic scrutiny.

Speaking on One-on-One on Arise TV, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, tried to justify the move by claiming it is the most “cost-effective” option available. But critics argue that hiding behind cost concerns raises serious questions about the party’s commitment to transparency and grassroots participation.

According to Abdullahi, the ADC has narrowed its options to either direct primaries or consensus, following changes to the Electoral Act. However, his strong preference for consensus suggests a leadership more interested in backroom agreements than allowing party members to have a real say in choosing their candidate.

“We are trying as much as possible to adopt the consensus approach because that is the least costly for us,” Abdullahi stated—this  comments may have only deepen suspicions that the process could be skewed in favour of political heavyweights already positioning themselves within the party.

Indeed, the ADC has recently become a gathering ground for familiar political faces, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. While the party celebrates this as momentum, critics see it as a recycling of the same political elite Nigerians have long complained about.

Abdullahi also took aim at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming the party lacks real cohesion and is merely being held together by the influence of President Bola Tinubu. According to him, the APC risks collapsing once Tinubu exits the political stage.

But even this criticism raises eyebrows, as many question whether the ADC itself is building a truly ideological alternative or simply assembling another coalition of convenience. Abdullahi went as far as describing the APC as a “special purpose vehicle” that has already fulfilled its mission under the late Muhammadu Buhari and Tinubu, yet stopped short of clearly articulating what distinguishes the ADC beyond ambition for power.

He further accused the APC of showing signs of panic ahead of 2027, despite controlling the majority of political structures nationwide. According to Abdullahi, such anxiety reflects a deeper awareness that Nigerians may be ready for change.

However, this argument cuts both ways. If the ADC truly believes it has the people’s backing, then why shy away from a fully transparent and competitive primary process? Why resort to consensus if not to pre-determine outcomes behind closed doors?

Ultimately, while the ADC positions itself as a credible alternative, its current approach risks reinforcing the very political culture Nigerians are increasingly rejecting—one where decisions are made by a few powerful figures, rather than the many citizens they claim to represent.