ADC confirms opposition talks focus on electoral alliances, not single presidential candidate
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) confirmed it is engaged in talks with other opposition parties through the G100 initiative ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, but emphasized these discussions center on electoral cooperation like vote protection—not forming a single presidential candidate. ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi stated in a Saturday interview with PREMIUM TIMES that parties are exploring mutual support in regions where each is politically stronger, explicitly rejecting notions of a consensus ticket. He noted ADC's full involvement in G100 but said he lacks details on progress, as talks occur at party chairman and secretary level without his briefing. This clarification comes amid renewed calls from NDC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso for ADC's presidential nominee Atiku Abubakar to step aside for Peter Obi—a proposal Abdullahi said ADC has received neither formally nor informatively. Meanwhile, G100 convenor Salihu Lukman outlined a broader agenda including developing frameworks for a common opposition candidate, referencing working groups established after the August 31 summit at Abuja's Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre. That summit brought together ADC, APM, NDC, PDP, PRP, and SDP, which agreed to form committees and five working groups—one tasked with options for a single candidate. Lukman confirmed parties were to nominate representatives by September 18, though PREMIUM TIMES could not verify completion. He added discussions now extend beyond the original six parties and another group will create a minimum policy action plan drawing from existing proposals like Abubakar’s domestic petroleum subsidy idea. The ADC maintains its talks remain strictly about electoral alliances, leaving unresolved whether G100’s candidate-focused framework will merge into formal negotiations.