The Search for a Running Mate: ADC’s Internal Dynamics
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been in the spotlight as its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, initiates the process of selecting a running mate. According to recent investigations, this move comes amid internal disputes and political maneuvering within the party.
Atiku, a seasoned figure in Nigerian politics, secured his party’s presidential ticket on Wednesday. However, the results of the primary were disputed by two of his fellow contestants—Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen—who claimed the process was neither free nor fair. Despite these allegations, Atiku delivered an acceptance speech urging the two men to join him in addressing the challenges posed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a visit to Amaechi’s Abuja residence, Atiku did not address the issue of a running mate directly. He neither requested Amaechi to be his vice-presidential candidate nor discussed potential nominees. This silence has raised questions about the direction of the ADC’s strategy.
Amaechi, in an exclusive interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, reiterated his stance on the party’s primary, stating that he stands by his criticism of the “concocted results.” He also denied any discussions about becoming Atiku’s vice-presidential candidate, emphasizing that no one had approached him for the role.
Political Considerations and Strategic Alliances
Sources close to Atiku and top party members suggest that the ADC is leaning towards selecting a running mate from the South-East, a region considered politically significant ahead of the 2027 general election. This strategic decision stems from the belief that the South-East aligns with Atiku’s political base and could bolster his chances in the upcoming elections.
Previously, the position of running mate was reserved for former Anambra State governor Peter Obi. However, Obi left the ADC and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). He was Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election, but they lost to the late President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
In the 2023 general election, Obi contested on the Labour Party platform, while Atiku remained the PDP candidate. President Bola Tinubu of the APC emerged victorious, securing 8,794,726 votes compared to Atiku’s 6,984,520 and Obi’s 6,101,533.
Potential Candidates and Internal Dynamics
Recent reports indicate that former Imo State governor and former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, is being considered for the role of Atiku’s running mate. Unlike many South-East politicians who defected to the NDC alongside Obi, Ihedioha remained in the ADC and played a key role in mobilizing support for Atiku during the presidential primary.
A senior party source revealed that Ihedioha was instrumental in delivering the South-East region for Atiku in the recent primary. However, concerns have been raised about Amaechi’s political influence in Rivers State and the wider South-South region. Sources close to Atiku argue that selecting someone without strong regional control could be politically risky.
Electoral Timelines and Party Commitments
Atiku’s Special Adviser, Paul Ibe, confirmed that consultations are ongoing regarding the composition of the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 general election. He emphasized that the ADC remains committed to meeting all electoral deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ibe ruled out Amaechi as a likely nominee for the vice-presidential slot, stating that Atiku’s visit to Amaechi had nothing to do with the running mate selection. He also declined to confirm or deny reports about Ihedioha, saying, “When the party reaches a decision, Nigerians will be informed.”
INEC’s Role and Legal Developments
A senior INEC source confirmed that the commission’s electoral timetable remains valid, despite recent court rulings that sparked debate over its schedule for the 2027 elections. The source argued that the court’s ruling reinforces INEC’s authority to set and implement its electoral schedule.
According to the source, there has been no official alteration to the timetable, and political parties are proceeding with their activities in line with the existing schedule. The deadline for submitting candidates’ names for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections is set for 29 August 2026.
Conclusion
As the ADC navigates internal dynamics and strategic considerations, the search for a running mate continues to shape the party’s trajectory. With the 2027 general election approaching, the choices made now will have lasting implications for the party’s future. The interplay between political alliances, regional influences, and electoral timelines underscores the complexity of the situation. As the process unfolds, the ADC must balance internal disagreements with the need to present a united front in the coming elections.
