The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has introduced a proposed power-sharing framework aimed at preventing internal divisions and strengthening opposition unity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The initiative, described as a “collegiate system,” seeks to move away from Nigeria’s traditional winner-takes-all political model by promoting collective leadership and shared decision-making, even after a single presidential candidate emerges.
Speaking during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise TV, ADC chieftain Lukman Salihu explained that the framework is designed to ensure inclusiveness among key political actors within the party.
“The new framework we are trying to put together is a collegiate framework. It is not a framework where one person will be the winner of everything,” Salihu said. “Our leaders are committed to ensuring that if we produce the next government, it will not be like an emperor presiding over an empire.”
According to him, the model emphasizes teamwork, where major decisions would be taken collectively rather than concentrated in the hands of a single individual.
The proposal comes amid growing competition within opposition ranks, as supporters of leading political figures—including Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi—continue to push rival ambitions for the presidential ticket.
Salihu dismissed concerns that these rivalries signal disunity, instead describing them as a natural part of democratic politics. “What you are seeing is contestation, and when you have politics without contestation, then it is no longer politics,” he stated.
He added that the collegiate system is intended to keep all aspirants engaged in the process, regardless of who eventually emerges as the party’s flagbearer. Under the model, the winner would lead as part of a broader team rather than as a dominant figure sidelining other contenders.
In addition to the governance structure, the ADC also revealed that it has developed a comprehensive policy framework anchored in a manifesto already adopted at its last national convention. The document, Salihu said, focuses on “citizen-centred governance” and aims to address key national challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, and institutional inefficiencies.
He disclosed that a 50-member committee was constituted to draft the manifesto, though ongoing legal disputes within the party have delayed its formal public presentation.
Salihu also used the platform to criticise the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of deviating from its founding ideals. He argued that internal party discipline has weakened, with elected officials now exerting undue control over party structures.
“Instead of parties regulating elected officials, elected officials now regulate parties,” he said, stressing that restoring institutional balance is central to the ADC’s reform agenda.
On concerns that some aspirants might reject the outcome of the primaries, Salihu expressed confidence that key figures would remain committed to the collective project. He specifically noted that he does not expect major contenders to abandon the party if they lose.
As political alignments continue to evolve ahead of 2027, the ADC’s proposal represents a strategic attempt to manage internal competition while presenting a united front to voters.
Analysts say the success of the collegiate system will depend on the willingness of political heavyweights to subordinate personal ambition to collective goals—an enduring challenge in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Nonetheless, Salihu expressed optimism that the opposition would ultimately rally behind a single candidate capable of mounting a credible challenge in the next general election.
“We are ready to confront the situation as it is,” he said, “and we believe the Nigerian people will make the right choice at the end.”
