2027 Puzzle: Why ADC Is Still Stuck Without A Clear Presidential Flagbearer – Adeniyi Reveals

Political analyst Abiodun Adeniyi has explained that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is yet to take a definitive position on its 2027 presidential ticket because the party is still undergoing a phase of transition and internal consolidation.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Monday, Adeniyi said the party is exercising caution as it has not fully stabilised ahead of the next general election.

“I think part of the reason is that the ADC itself is still in transition. The party is yet to find its footing and cannot be completely certain about its direction at this stage,” he said.

According to him, a major challenge confronting the ADC is managing the growing internal competition for its presidential ticket, as several prominent figures within the party are believed to harbour similar ambitions.

Adeniyi stressed that the party’s progress would depend largely on compromise and consensus among its leading members.

“The question of who emerges as candidate is very sensitive and must be handled carefully. If everyone insists on being the flagbearer, it will create serious problems. But if there is willingness to make sacrifices and rally behind the most viable and popular candidate—someone capable of challenging the ruling party—the ADC could gain significant traction,” he said.

Commenting on the political prospects of former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, as he marked his 60th birthday, Adeniyi noted that the ADC stalwart may still be nurturing presidential ambitions.

He described Tambuwal as calm and personable, recalling how he refrained from responding when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, publicly criticised him.

“This suggests there is still more he hopes to achieve. The presidency remains an aspiration for him. Although he did not openly declare interest in 2027, I see it as a possibility he may yet pursue,” Adeniyi said.

He added that despite previously enjoying Wike’s support and later falling out with him, Tambuwal has remained restrained, even acknowledging the FCT minister’s past goodwill.

“He has maintained a measured and moderate stance, which aligns with the ADC’s current stage of development. Until the party reaches a level of stability, nothing can be taken for granted,” he noted.

Adeniyi further suggested that Tambuwal could still successfully return to the National Assembly under the ADC platform if he chooses to contest a Senate seat.

“Given his enduring popularity since his political emergence in 2003 and even earlier, he stands a strong chance of returning to the Senate on the ADC platform,” he added.