ADC Denies PRP Alliance Talks as Party Leaders Ramp Up 2027 Election Plans
As the Supreme Court hearing approaches and the deadline for party primaries looms, heavyweight politicians within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are intensifying their contingency strategies to ensure participation in the 2027 general elections, aiming to avoid being left stranded. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled party primaries to occur between April 23 and May 30 this year, mandating that parties select candidates through direct primaries or consensus arrangements. However, the ADC is embroiled in a deepening leadership crisis, characterized by a complex legal and political standoff involving three rival factions with competing constitutional claims, effectively leaving the party without a recognized national leadership.
PRP Chairman Reports Surge in Political Interest
Amid this turmoil, fresh reports have surfaced alleging behind-the-scenes political engagements and potential realignment between the ADC and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). In a veiled reference to these developments, the National Chairman of PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, stated that many politicians are expressing interest in joining the party ahead of the elections. During an interview on Arise TV, he described the PRP as a viable political option and emphasized that its doors are open to new members. "In the last three or four weeks, you will be amazed at how many people have reached out to us and said, 'We're coming over to your party,'" he remarked.
Baba-Ahmed added that the party is prepared to welcome anyone willing to join, whether independently or due to systemic issues within their own parties. "Our doors are open to anybody who wants to come in, either on their own or because the system has blocked and virtually destroyed their party," he explained. He noted that the growing interest reflects confidence in the PRP's long-standing values, describing it as one of Nigeria's oldest parties. Additionally, Baba-Ahmed criticized President Bola Tinubu, claiming he is disconnected from the realities facing Nigerians, particularly regarding economic and security challenges.
ADC Dismisses Claims and Reaffirms Legal Focus
In response, the ADC has strongly denied any discussions of abandoning its platform for the PRP. ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi issued a statement dismissing the reports as false, insisting that the party's coalition leadership is not engaged in such talks. The party maintains that its primary focus is on challenging what it terms "illegal action" taken against its leadership by INEC and agents of the ruling party. Abdullahi stressed that pursuing legal avenues is crucial to protecting the rule of law and preserving Nigeria's multiparty democracy.
"Any suggestion that we are considering abandoning the ADC is pre-emptive and speculative, and should be ignored," he asserted. Despite concerns over the "bastardisation of democratic institutions," the ADC expressed confidence that the judiciary will uphold justice in the matter, reiterating its commitment to the ongoing legal battle as central to defending democratic principles.
Political Realignments and Criticisms Emerge
Meanwhile, supporters of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and ex-Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have launched a new political pressure group, the Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, ahead of the ADC presidential primary. This development signals a fresh layer of realignment within the opposition coalition, amid growing uncertainty over who will secure the ADC presidential ticket for the 2027 elections. The OK Movement, which announced its emergence in Abuja, has established structures across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, appointing state and zonal coordinators to drive mobilisation.
In a related critique, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, questioned Obi's leadership capacity, arguing that he failed to manage internal crises within the Labour Party. Dare accused Obi of lacking commitment to party-building and dismissed allegations linking the presidency to the ADC crisis, insisting it is an internal matter subject to judicial resolution.
APC Sets Timetable and High Fees for 2027 Elections
On the ruling party front, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally unveiled its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for early and intense political manoeuvring. According to the timetable, the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, at the party's National Secretariat. The APC has fixed its presidential primary for May 15–16, 2026, with other primaries to follow in quick succession.
In a move likely to spark debate, the APC has pegged its presidential nomination form at N100 million, with governorship forms costing N50 million. Aspirants for the Senate will pay N20 million, House of Representatives N10 million, and State Assembly N6 million. The timetable, signed by the party's National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, also outlines timelines for screening and appeals, underscoring the APC's push to streamline internal processes ahead of the polls.
APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka stated that the early release of the schedule reflects the party's commitment to transparent and credible primaries, giving aspirants ample time for consultations and mobilisation. This announcement marks the formal kick-off of the APC's 2027 election cycle, with political activities expected to ramp up nationwide in the coming weeks.
