ADC PROPOSES COLLEGIATE LEADERSHIP MODEL FOR 2027 PRESIDENTIAL RACE

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By: Fasasi Hammad

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a power-sharing strategy aimed at maintaining opposition unity ahead of the 2027 presidential election, amid concerns that competing ambitions could create divisions after party primaries.

The proposal introduces a “collegiate system,” which the party says is intended to move away from winner-takes-all politics by promoting shared leadership, even after a presidential candidate is selected.

Speaking on Monday during an appearance with the media, Lukman Salihu, a prominent advocate of the party’s reform agenda, explained that the framework is designed to encourage collective decision-making and prevent excessive concentration of authority in one individual.

According to Salihu, the system would ensure governance is driven by teamwork rather than by a single dominant leader.

“The new framework we are trying to establish is a collegiate one. It is not a structure where one person takes everything,” he said.

“Our leaders are determined to ensure that if we form the next government, it will not resemble an empire ruled by an emperor. Instead, it will operate through a collaborative team spirit, where decisions are made jointly.”

The initiative comes as rivalry intensifies within the opposition bloc, with supporters of figures such as Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi advancing different preferences over who should lead the coalition.

Salihu maintained that these disagreements should not be viewed as signs of division.

“What is happening is political contestation, and politics without contestation is no longer politics,” he said.

He added that the aim is to ensure all aspirants remain committed to the process regardless of who eventually secures the ticket.

“One person will emerge, but as part of a team—not as someone who defeats others and sidelines them,” he explained.

Beyond the power-sharing framework, the party said it has already developed a governance agenda rooted in a manifesto adopted during its last convention.

Salihu revealed that a 50-member committee was established to formulate the party’s policy direction and manifesto, which focuses on citizen-centred governance and addressing the challenges facing Nigerians.

He noted that legal disputes and internal party issues have slowed the public presentation of the document but expressed confidence that it would soon be unveiled.

The party is also seeking to introduce a structured screening process for candidates to ensure that the most qualified and widely accepted aspirants emerge.

Salihu criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress, arguing that it has strayed from its founding principles.

“It is disappointing to see the current state of the APC. Many of the so-called consensus arrangements across states have collapsed,” he said.

“Rather than parties regulating elected officials, elected officials now control party structures.”

He stressed that restoring party discipline and strengthening internal institutions are central to the opposition’s plans.

“Having a collegiate system ensures that party organs remain functional and can regulate the conduct of elected representatives,” Salihu added.

On individuals or groups that have not joined the coalition effort, he said participation remains voluntary and their decision is respected.

Responding to concerns that some aspirants may reject the outcome of the process, Salihu expressed confidence that leading figures would remain committed to the coalition.

“I do not see Amaechi walking away if another candidate emerges. He would still remain part of the collegiate system,” he said.

Despite existing tensions, the ADC leadership believes the opposition will ultimately rally behind a single candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

“We are prepared to deal with the realities on the ground, and we believe Nigerians will make the right choice in the end,” Salihu said.