Dr. Ladan Salihu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has described the defection of Peter Obi to the party as a “blockbuster” moment that significantly boosts its chances in the 2027 general elections.
In an interview on Arise News, Salihu said the combined votes of Obi and Atiku Abubakar—who also recently joined the ADC—from the 2023 elections put the party “one leg already in the presidential villa.”
Addressing concerns about factionalism and candidate selection, Salihu dismissed claims of a divided party and emphasized that the ADC would operate as a united coalition. He stated that all aspirants, including Obi and Atiku, would contest the presidential ticket on equal terms, with delegates deciding the outcome.
“We are trying to make sure that Nigerian democracy obtains within the platform of decency and best practices, not sentiments,” he said, urging supporters to focus on growing the party rather than preconditions for candidacy.
Salihu also challenged the notion of an eight-year zoning arrangement between the North and South, referencing the 2015 election where a Northern candidate defeated a sitting Southern president.
Disclaimer:
This report is based on an interview with a political figure. The views expressed are those of the interviewee and do not reflect the editorial position of CDA News Nigeria.
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