By Chinedu Okafor, Abuja
ABUJA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a power-sharing proposal designed to stabilise Nigeria’s opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election, amid growing concerns over internal rivalries.
The party’s plan introduces a “collegiate system,” which it says will replace the traditional winner-takes-all approach with a more inclusive governance structure that allows shared decision-making among key stakeholders.
Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, a leading advocate of the reform, Lukman Salihu, said the framework is intended to promote unity and prevent fragmentation after party primaries.
“The new framework we are trying to put together is a collegiate framework. It is not a framework where one person will be the winner of everything,” Salihu said.
“Our leaders are committed to ensure that if we produce the next government, it is not going to be like an emperor presiding over an empire… It will be a collegiate team spirit, whereby all decisions will be taken jointly.”
The proposal comes amid intensifying competition among supporters of prominent political figures, including Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi.
Salihu, however, dismissed concerns that the rivalry signals division within the opposition.
“What you are seeing is contestation, and when you have politics without contestation, then it is no longer politics,” he stated.
He emphasised that the system is structured to ensure that all aspirants remain invested in the process, regardless of who emerges as the party’s presidential candidate.
“One person will emerge, but will emerge as part of a team, not someone who defeats others and pushes them out of the race,” he added.
The ADC also revealed that it has finalised its policy direction, anchored on a manifesto developed by a 50-member committee and adopted at its last convention.
“The manifesto is all about ensuring citizen-centred governance, whereby all the issues confronting Nigerians are addressed,” Salihu said.
While acknowledging delays in formally unveiling the document due to legal and internal challenges, he expressed confidence that the process would soon be concluded.
Salihu further criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of drifting from its founding principles.
“To see where the APC is today is quite disappointing… Instead of parties regulating elected officials, elected officials now regulate parties,” he said.
He maintained that restoring party discipline and strengthening internal structures remain central to the opposition’s agenda.
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