As the race for the 2027 Presidential seat intensifies, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has proposed a strategic power-sharing framework designed to maintain opposition unity and prevent the internal fractures that often follow party primaries.
The proposal centers on a collegiate system, a model intended to move Nigeria away from winner-takes-all politics. Under this arrangement, governance would be a collective effort, ensuring that while only one presidential candidate emerges, power and decision-making responsibilities are distributed among a core team of coalition leaders.
Lukman Salihu, a prominent reformer within the ADC, discussed the framework during a Monday appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show.
He emphasized that the initiative aims to curb the emergence of emperor-like leaders by fostering a spirit of joint accountability.
“The framework we are developing is collegiate in nature. It ensures that the winner does not take everything. Our leadership is dedicated to ensuring that the next government operates as a cohesive team where all major decisions are reached collectively,” Salihu explained.
The proposal arrives at a critical time as supporters of high-profile opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Rotimi Amaechi debate who should head a potential coalition.
While these rivalries have sparked concerns of a split, Salihu dismissed the friction as a healthy sign of political contestation, noting that the goal is to keep every aspirant personally invested in the coalition’s success regardless of the primary outcome.
Beyond the power-sharing structure, the ADC confirmed it has finalized a citizen-centered manifesto, drafted by a 50-member committee and adopted at its most recent convention.
Although legal hurdles have slowed its public launch, Salihu noted the document focuses on addressing the fundamental challenges facing Nigerians today.
Salihu also took the opportunity to criticize the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that the party has abandoned its founding principles.
He claimed that the APC’s internal structures have weakened to the point where elected officials now dictate terms to the party, rather than the party regulating the conduct of its members.
“Restoring party discipline is a pillar of our plan. A collegiate system ensures that party organs remain functional and capable of overseeing those in power,” Salihu added.
Despite some groups choosing to remain outside
the coalition for now, the ADC remains optimistic.
Salihu expressed confidence that the draw of a unified, team-based government will eventually bring the opposition together under a single banner to challenge the status quo in 2027.
