The founder and pioneer National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has said the party is yet to take a definitive position on zoning its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nwosu disclosed this in an interview with Punch while reacting to calls for the North to produce the next president, as canvassed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The ADC founder explained that the party has adopted an open approach to its presidential ticket, allowing all regions equal opportunity.
He said, “In ADC, it is open.”
Nwosu revealed that the issue of zoning had been debated during coalition talks, with some Northern stakeholders advocating fairness based on political history since 1999.
“I had some young Northern people come to my office… They argued that this republic started in 1999… that the South would have done 18 years and the North 10 years,” he said.
He added that the argument had influenced his perspective.
“I never thought in that light, but that is the reality. If the North is saying, leave it open. If the South gets it, they will be ready to work with them,” Nwosu stated.
On the process for selecting the party’s presidential candidate, Nwosu said the ADC was considering two options—consensus and direct primaries.
He said, “We are plotting two options. We are looking at a consensus if everybody agrees. But where there is disagreement, we do direct primaries. Whoever wins becomes the standard-bearer of the party.”
Nwosu disclosed that several top political figures had indicated willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.
He said, “I have heard some of the candidates say that if they don’t win, they are in the party and would support whoever wins.”
He listed prominent politicians, including Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi, as those who had made such commitments.
Nwosu added that he expects Rabiu Kwankwaso to publicly declare a similar position.
The ADC founder stressed that transparency remains central to the party’s approach, noting that it influenced the choice of leadership structure.
He said, “The day the document was signed, that was what we put forward. We were very clear on open ticket and transparency.”
Nwosu added that the leadership of David Mark was considered crucial in ensuring credible primaries.
“That was part of the reason everybody agreed that one of the persons who can do transparent primaries, because of his transparent character, is the chairmanship of David Mark,” he said.
