The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed claims that it reneged on a zoning agreement for its 2027 presidential ticket, describing the allegations as false, misleading, and capable of destabilizing the party’s coalition.
In a statement issued Sunday by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party insisted it had not entered into any zoning commitment with coalition partners.
> “You cannot break a promise you haven’t made,” Abdullahi declared, reacting to remarks credited to Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, a group loyal to former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
Tanko, over the weekend, had urged the ADC to prioritize fairness and equity by ceding its presidential ticket to the South, noting that zoning would strengthen coalition unity ahead of 2027.
But Abdullahi rebuffed the call, stressing that the ADC leadership had not deliberated on zoning and warning against divisive statements.
> “ADC leaders have not discussed zoning. Tanko’s comments lack understanding of our platform’s workings,” Abdullahi said, further questioning Tanko’s authority to speak on behalf of the coalition.
The controversy emerged after a recent ADC caucus meeting attended by heavyweight politicians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Notably absent was Peter Obi.
The meeting reportedly resolved that key allies should show commitment by resigning from their current political parties to formally join the ADC—a directive said to have provoked Tanko’s comments.
ADC officials reiterated that the issue of zoning remains “an open question,” emphasizing that the party’s immediate priority is strengthening unity and building a credible platform for the 2027 general elections.
