The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has made significant progress in building its nationwide structures, with a presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and a vice-presidential candidate, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, whose nominations have been formally submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party conducted primaries across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), establishing a national organisational framework to build upon. Opposition parties are still discussing wider cooperation and the possibility of presenting a common front.
Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar, shared insights on the party's strategy and the current state of the coalition. He emphasized that the ADC is no longer at the stage of merely discussing participation in the election, but rather is moving from post-primary reconciliation into full campaign mode. Ibe noted that while there is always more work to do at the state, local-government, ward, and polling-unit levels, the process of consolidation is continuing.
Atiku's chances of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming election are a topic of interest. Ibe stated that the ADC believes it has a competitive path to the presidency, citing Atiku's experience in the private and public sectors, particularly as Vice President. A recent poll by SBM Intelligence showed that nearly 7 in 10 Nigerians support Atiku's production-based subsidy. Ultimately, the electorate will make the judgment on January 16.
The issue of violence, intimidation, and an uneven playing field has been raised, with Bolaji Abdullahi warning about its potential impact. Ibe emphasized that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to support a political party and participate in elections without intimidation. The ADC has documented alleged incidents and called on the police to take action. Ibe stressed that the party will pursue disputes through lawful electoral and judicial processes.
Section 145 of the Constitution outlines the process for the President to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation. Ibe argued that President Tinubu's absence and the National Assembly's inaction on initiating impeachment proceedings are constitutional concerns. He emphasized that representing the President at a ceremony is not the same as exercising presidential powers under the Constitution.
The Presidency's explanation that Senator George Akume represents the President while Tinubu is on a "working vacation" has been rejected by the ADC. Ibe pointed out that Section 145 designates the Vice-President as Acting President, not the SGF. The question remains as to who has formally been vested with the powers and functions of the President during a presidential vacation.
The possibility of a coalition opting for another candidate, such as Peter Obi or Donald Duke, has been raised. Ibe reiterated that Atiku Abubakar is presently the duly nominated presidential candidate of the ADC, while others are candidates of their respective parties. The ADC remains focused on its campaign and strategy, with Atiku Abubakar at the helm.
Key points
- The ADC has made significant progress in building its nationwide structures, with a presidential candidate and a vice-presidential candidate.
- Atiku's experience in the private and public sectors, particularly as Vice President, counts in his favour.
- The ADC rejects the explanation that Senator George Akume represents the President while Tinubu is on a "working vacation".
