Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will prioritise a consensus arrangement ahead of its primary election for the 2027 presidential ticket.
Atiku made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday evening, while fielding questions on leadership, the party, and party strategy.
He stated that he would willingly support a consensus candidate, but dismissed the notion that it would be viewed as stepping aside.
Atiku argued that such a move should be seen as a matter of providing support.
“It is not the issue of stepping aside, but will I support?” Atiku said.
He emphasised that the ADC’s first line of action would be to build internal agreement among its members before resorting to competitive primaries.
“Our first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t emerge, of course, we will go for any other option. Of course, I will support any other person who emerges,” he stated.
Atiku further expressed confidence in the calibre of politicians within the party, suggesting that a consensus outcome is likely and could make a full-scale primary contest unnecessary.
“That is the first option. We will go for primaries if that doesn’t work out, but I don’t expect we will get to the level of primaries because we are dealing with really mature and experienced politicians.”
Atiku’s comments came amid ongoing political realignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 general election as political parties continued to strategise on candidate selection and coalition-building.