The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has ruled out backing Labour Party’s Peter Obi for the 2027 presidential election, citing constitutional restrictions.
According to a reported by Leadership, July 19, 2025, the party has indicated preference for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as potential coalition candidates.
The party’s stance was made clear in a statement by its National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, who emphasized that the ADC’s constitution does not permit the adoption of presidential candidates from outside the party. This decision effectively disqualifies Peter Obi, whose name had been floated in some quarters as a possible unifying candidate for opposition parties.
“Our constitution is clear,” Nwosu stated. “We cannot adopt a presidential candidate from another political party. Anyone being considered must join the ADC and align with our values and principles.”
He also noted that both Atiku and Amaechi are under serious consideration within opposition coalition discussions. While neither has formally joined the ADC, their long-standing political influence and national reach were cited as reasons they are being evaluated as possible contenders.
The development signals a major blow to efforts at forming a broad opposition alliance around Obi, who gained significant youth support in 2023. The ADC’s position also hints at deeper political recalibrations ahead of 2027, as parties begin to strategize around electability, coalition-building, and constitutional limitations.
Political observers say this may reshape alliances across Nigeria’s political landscape, with Atiku and Amaechi emerging as early front-runners in talks aimed at dislodging the ruling party.
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