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The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has constituted a high-powered committee to engage influential political figures across opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A highly placed party official, who spoke to The PUNCH condition of anonymity, disclosed that the committee’s mandate was not limited to any single political party, as the ADC was seeking to strengthen opposition collaboration nationwide before the polls.
The development comes amid growing reports that the ADC is reaching out to prominent political figures, particularly the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to join its platform.
Kwankwaso had, last Saturday in Kano, expressed his readiness to align with any opposition coalition willing to offer him either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.
He made the remarks while addressing supporters amid speculations surrounding the possible defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, during which he outlined conditions for any potential alliance.
Confirming the development to Sunday PUNCH, the ADC source said the party had already put structures in place to manage engagements discreetly.
“It is for proper engagements across all party ranks, though this is not something we expect to be leaked to the public,” the source said.
“We are not targeting a particular political party or individual, as we are maintaining an open dialogue platform with all of them.”
Corroborating the position, another senior ADC source disclosed that the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, had made it clear to the Kwankwaso camp that no assurances could be given regarding either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.
The source said, “It was clearly stated that there will be no offer of either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket from the party leadership to anyone.”
Recall that in July 2025, the ADC emerged as the coalition platform adopted by opposition leaders seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Since then, under the leadership of Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, the party has intensified efforts to consolidate its structures nationwide and build public confidence.
Several high-profile opposition figures have already aligned with the ADC.
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi joined the party in July, followed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in November, while former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi joined on December 31.
A party insider said the ADC leadership was exploring the idea of an inclusive government of national unity, which would accommodate Kwankwaso and his support base through strategic political appointments rather than ticket guarantees.
“Since Kwankwaso made the statement expressing his readiness and willingness to work with the ADC, the party’s leadership has been working around the clock,” the source said.
“The ADC is interested in bringing Kwankwaso into the party, but it is not willing to proceed on false assumptions.”
According to the source, the party’s proposal centres on an inclusive cabinet and government structure where all stakeholders would have a fair share of positions.
Another prominent ADC leader revealed that although the party would not offer Kwankwaso the presidential or vice-presidential ticket, Mark was expected to personally engage him to discuss alternative terms.
“Nobody can promise anyone the presidential or vice-presidential ticket given the current realities within the ADC,” the source said.
“However, the National Chairman can help negotiate and discuss the sharing of positions such as ministerial appointments, National Assembly leadership positions, and even the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”
The source added that a committee had been tasked with deliberating on these matters and reaching a swift resolution.
The party leadership, according to insiders, remains optimistic that Kwankwaso would eventually align with the ADC to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in 2027.
When contacted, the ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, declined to comment on the existence of the committee.
He, however, said the party would continue to strengthen its membership base.
“ADC is a party that has come to stay, and we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that we increase our membership and remove the APC government,” Abdullahi said.
Reacting, the NNPP Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, confirmed that the party and Kwankwaso were consulting with other political groups but declined to mention the ADC.
“I am not going to comment on that, but what I can tell you is that consultations are ongoing,” Johnson said.
“The leadership of the party, including our national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is consulting with all relevant stakeholders across the country.
