Salihu Mohammed Lukman, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has stated that the party will not transfer its structures to any prominent members who may be interested in running for the party’s ticket in the 2027 presidential election.
Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has announced his intention to seek the party’s nomination. It is also reported that former vice president Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 Labor Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may be interested in pursuing the ticket.
Lukman told African Independent Television (AIT) on Tuesday that the goal is to build ADC’s structure strong enough to regulate all members, including aspiring candidates and elected officials. He said the coalition carefully negotiated with the entire party leadership, not just one individual, before joining the ADC.
“We have to build the structures of the party in such a way that the party is strong enough and can regulate the conduct of everybody, not just aspiring candidates, but even elected representatives when they win office and assume positions,” Lukman said.
The former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said that the ADC 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, is no longer a member of the party. He explained that based on records from INEC, including Certified True Copies of proceedings from ADC’s official organs, Dumebi Kachikwu and about 15 others had been expelled from the party.
He further clarified that their actions are not intended to replace the ADC leadership. Instead, they have agreed to cooperate as partners and stakeholders. He also mentioned that, in due course, the interim leadership of the party, led by Senator David Mark and Aregbesola, will provide guidelines regarding the state-level structure and the process for reorganizing the party.
Lukman said the ADC leaders have succeeded so far, which is why they have the unity in the suspension of expression of ambitions.
“The coalition and 2027 should not be about creating more unaccountable leaders or electing representatives who ignore the party’s interests—as we currently see with some APC leaders,” Lukman said.
