The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it has not taken any decision on the zoning of its 2027 presidential ticket, dismissing claims of broken promises as false and misleading.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the clarification on Sunday, September 28, stressing that no commitment had been made to any coalition partner or group on zoning. “You cannot break any promise you have not made,” Abdullahi said in response to a statement by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, who had accused the ADC of reneging on agreements within the coalition.
The Obidient Movement is a group of supporters aligned with the presidential ambition of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. Over the weekend, Tanko criticised the ADC’s silence on zoning, arguing that issues of fairness and equity demanded that the party consider the South in its decision-making.
“As the Obidient Movement, being part of the main consulting bloc, we are particularly concerned about how the party intends to zone its presidential ticket,” Tanko had said.
“Considering that the presidency is currently held by the South, issues of equity and fairness must guide such decisions if the party truly aims to secure victory in the 2027 elections. We are equally interested in how the party zones its principal offices within the coalition, as this will ensure justice, fairness, and inclusivity.”
Abdullahi, however, dismissed the remarks as both divisive and destabilising. He questioned Tanko’s authority to speak on behalf of the coalition, adding that the comments did not reflect Obi’s position.
“ADC leaders have not discussed zoning. How can we break a promise we have not made? Tanko’s view does not reflect Peter Obi’s position,” Abdullahi said, adding that the party remained open to dialogue but would not condone statements from individuals “who lack an understanding of the workings of the platform.”
Last week, the ADC had directed its prominent allies to demonstrate commitment by resigning from their current political parties and fully joining its ranks. The caucus meeting where the decision was reached was attended by figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Obi was absent.
The resolution triggered Tanko’s statement on behalf of the Obidient bloc, but ADC officials insist zoning has not been tabled by party leaders and remains an open question for now.
