The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a power-sharing framework aimed at strengthening opposition unity ahead of the 2027 presidential election, amid concerns that competing ambitions could fracture the coalition after party primaries.
The proposal, described as a “collegiate system,” seeks to move away from the traditional winner-takes-all approach by promoting shared leadership, even after a single presidential candidate emerges.
Speaking on The Morning Show, Lukman Salihu, a key advocate of the reform agenda, said the model is designed to ensure collective decision-making and prevent the concentration of power in one individual.
“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,” he said.
“Our leaders are committed to ensure that if we produce the next government, it is not going to be like an emperor presiding over an empire… It will be a collegiate team spirit, whereby all decisions will be taken jointly.”
The initiative comes as rivalry intensifies among opposition figures, including Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi, whose supporters are pushing different candidacy positions within the emerging coalition.
Salihu, however, dismissed concerns that the competition signals division.
“What you are seeing is contestation, and when you have politics without contestation, then it is no longer politics,” he said.
He explained that the objective is to keep all aspirants engaged in the process, regardless of the eventual outcome.
“One person will emerge, but will emerge as part of a team, not someone who defeats others and pushes them out of the race,” he added.
Beyond the power-sharing model, the ADC said it has already developed its governance blueprint, anchored on a manifesto adopted at its last convention.
According to Salihu, a 50-member committee was constituted to draft the policy document, which focuses on citizen-centred governance and addressing key national challenges.
“The manifesto is all about ensuring citizen-centred governance, whereby all the issues confronting Nigerians are addressed,” he said, noting that legal disputes have delayed its public unveiling.
He also emphasised plans to implement a structured screening process to ensure that candidates who emerge are both competent and broadly acceptable to Nigerians.
Salihu took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of drifting from its founding principles.
“To see where the APC is today is quite disappointing… Instead of parties regulating elected officials, elected officials now regulate parties,” he said.
He stressed that restoring internal discipline and strengthening party institutions remain central to the opposition’s strategy.
“Having a collegiate system ensures that party organs work and regulate the conduct of elected representatives,” he added.
On concerns about potential defections or disagreements, Salihu maintained that participation in the coalition remains voluntary but expressed confidence that key figures would remain committed.
“I do not see him (Amaechi) walking away if someone else emerges victorious. He will remain part of the same collegiate system,” he said.
Despite ongoing tensions, the ADC chieftain expressed optimism that opposition forces will eventually rally behind a single presidential candidate.
“We are ready to confront the situation as it is, and we believe the Nigerian people will make the right choice at the end,” he said.
What you should know
The ADC is proposing a “collegiate system” to manage internal rivalry and maintain unity within the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The model promotes shared leadership and collective decision-making rather than a winner-takes-all structure. With multiple strong contenders in the race, the framework aims to prevent post-primary divisions and keep all aspirants engaged.
The party also says it has developed a citizen-focused manifesto, though legal issues have delayed its release. The strategy reflects broader efforts to build a cohesive opposition capable of challenging the ruling APC.
