By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The political crisis within the African Democratic Congress (African Democratic Congress) has taken a new dimension as the party appears further divided into competing factions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with former presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, reportedly emerging as presidential flag bearer of one bloc, while another faction led by prominent opposition figures is set to conduct its presidential primary today, Monday, May 25, 2026.
In one of the emerging structures within the party, Kachikwu is said to have been adopted as the presidential candidate of a faction of the ADC following internal realignments and consultations among stakeholders within that bloc. Supporters of this arrangement insist that the process reflects the outcome of their internal consensus-building ahead of the next general election.
However, the development has further exposed widening cracks within the ADC, as another influential faction aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi is scheduled to hold its presidential primary election today to determine its own flag bearer for the 2027 race.
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Both Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi are widely considered the major contenders in the expected contest, which political observers say could significantly shape the direction of opposition politics in Nigeria ahead of the next general election.
The Merit Newspaper reports that sources within the party suggest that the parallel processes underscore deep disagreements over leadership, control of party structures, and the strategic direction of the ADC as political realignments intensify across the country.
The situation has also raised fresh questions about unity within the opposition space, as multiple political actors continue to explore platforms and alliances capable of challenging the ruling party in 2027.
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Analysts note that factional struggles such as this are not new in Nigeria’s political history, especially in the build-up to major elections, where competing interests often lead to parallel conventions and disputed candidacies.
As of the time of filing this report, the leadership of the ADC had yet to issue a unified statement clarifying which faction holds official recognition for the 2027 presidential ticket process, further deepening uncertainty within the party.
Political watchers say today’s expected primary by the Atiku–Amaechi aligned bloc may either consolidate a major opposition front or further widen divisions depending on its outcome and subsequent reactions from other stakeholders.
The unfolding developments are expected to remain a key talking point in Nigeria’s political landscape as the 2027 election cycle gradually gathers momentum.
