The Assistant National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Honourable Usani Usani, says the party will adopt a transparent and inclusive process in selecting its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Monday, Usani disclosed that three prominent figures have so far indicated interest in flying the party’s flag: Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Atiku Abubakar.
According to him, the ADC is committed to fairness and internal democracy in producing its standard-bearer.
“We are awaiting a formal process,” he said. “I can assure Nigerians that the ADC will produce a candidate through openness, transparency and truth.”
Usani confirmed that leaders in the South-South region recently met under the leadership of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, where Amaechi sought regional backing as a son of the soil.
He said the meeting ended in a voice vote overwhelmingly in Amaechi’s favour, with no dissenting voices.
However, he stressed that the regional endorsement does not override the party’s national decision-making structure.
“In a simple understanding, one might say the South-South has aligned with Amaechi, but that does not preclude independent opinions or the national process,” he clarified.
On the contentious issue of North–South power rotation, Usani declined to commit the party to any position, noting that several internal committees are currently reviewing the ADC’s manifesto, constitution and policy direction.
“It would be premature to speak ahead of their findings,” he said, adding that while he may hold personal views, he is bound to wait for the party’s official stance.
Usani also criticised the election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, arguing that the party’s rejection goes beyond scheduling concerns.
“Our concern is about the sanctity of policy,” he said, alleging that the compressed timetable could disadvantage certain political interests while favouring incumbents.
He accused institutions including the National Assembly, the Executive and the ruling All Progressives Congress of acting in concert, claiming inconsistencies in how electoral laws are applied at party and national levels.
The ADC chieftain further stated that the credibility of the 2027 polls will largely depend on the conduct of INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.
He urged Yakubu to demonstrate firmness comparable to the late Humphrey Nwosu, who oversaw the widely acclaimed June 12, 1993 presidential election.
On electronic transmission of results, Usani criticised what he described as inconsistencies in INEC’s position, arguing that technological capacity should not be in doubt in an era of widespread digital financial transactions.
Usani warned about declining voter turnout, saying persistent apathy could destabilise the country if citizens lose faith in democratic processes.
He urged Nigerians to actively participate in elections and safeguard their votes, insisting that both political leaders and the electorate share responsibility for strengthening governance.
“Citizens must come out, vote and protect their votes if they truly want accountable leadership,” he said.
