The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has a constitutional clause that bars individuals affiliated with other parties from vying for its top ticket, potentially ruling out former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi from contesting under its platform.
Obi, who has expressed interest in running for president in 2027, remains a member of the Labour Party and hasn’t formally declared a switch to the ADC. His media aide, Tanko Yunusa, confirmed Obi’s current affiliation with the Labour Party.
The party’s constitution requires candidates to be registered, card-carrying members without affiliations to other parties.
Article 8 on membership stipulates that a person “must not belong to any other political party” and must resign from any previous membership.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi have resigned from their previous parties (PDP and APC, respectively) and may be eligible to contest under the ADC platform.
The ADC emphasizes the importance of free, fair, and credible primary elections, with the party’s National Executive Committee determining the nomination process.
Meanwhile, the ADC has amended its constitution to attract new members and allow more Nigerians to contest elections without prior membership restrictions.
This move aims to make the party more inclusive and provide a credible alternative for qualified candidates.
