The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a proposed power-sharing framework aimed at keeping Nigeria’s opposition united ahead of the 2027 presidential election, amid growing concerns that internal rivalries could weaken its chances.
Central to the proposal is a “collegiate system,” a model designed to move away from winner-takes-all politics by promoting collective leadership even after the emergence of a single presidential candidate.
Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise TV on Monday, Lukman Salihu, a key figure driving the party’s reform agenda, said the initiative seeks to ensure that power is not concentrated in one individual but shared among key stakeholders within the party.
According to him, the framework would foster inclusiveness, strengthen internal democracy, and prevent the post-primary divisions that have historically plagued opposition parties.
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“The idea is to promote collective decision-making and ensure that party organs function effectively in regulating the conduct of elected officials,” Salihu said.
Alongside the power-sharing plan, the ADC also confirmed that it has finalized its policy direction for governance. Salihu disclosed that a 50-member committee was constituted to draft the party’s manifesto, which has already been adopted at its last convention.
“The manifesto is all about ensuring citizen-centred governance, whereby all the issues confronting Nigerians are addressed,” he said.
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He noted, however, that legal disputes and internal challenges had delayed the public unveiling of the document but expressed optimism that the process would soon be concluded.
Salihu also revealed that the party is developing a structured framework for screening aspirants, aimed at ensuring that only the most credible and widely acceptable candidates emerge.
“Part of what we also want to do is to ensure that we put in place a process whereby the screening of candidates follows a particular framework that will ensure that the best and the most acceptable to the citizens emerge,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu accused the party of drifting from its founding principles, arguing that internal discipline has eroded.
“To see where the APC is today is quite disappointing. All the so-called consensus arrangements across the states have collapsed,” he said. “Instead of parties regulating elected officials, elected officials now regulate parties.”
He stressed that restoring party discipline and strengthening institutional structures remain central to the ADC’s strategy.
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On concerns that some political actors may refuse to align with the coalition or defect after the primaries, Salihu maintained that participation in the process remains voluntary but expressed confidence that major stakeholders would remain committed.
“It is entirely their choice not to be there, and we respect that,” he said.
Addressing speculation about potential divisions among aspirants, including former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Salihu dismissed fears of a fallout.
“I do not see him walking away if someone else emerges victorious. He will remain part of the same collegiate system,” he added.
Despite existing tensions within opposition ranks, the ADC chieftain expressed optimism that a united front would eventually emerge ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts say the success of the proposed system will depend largely on trust among key actors and the party’s ability to enforce its internal agreements—factors that have historically tested coalition politics in Nigeria.
