A Call for Strategic Leadership and National Balance in ADC’s Presidential Choice
As Nigeria approaches another critical electoral cycle, political parties are once again confronted with decisions that will shape their future and influence the direction of the nation. For the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the moment calls for careful reflection, strategic thinking, and alignment with the prevailing mood of the electorate. Issues of zoning, fairness, and national cohesion remain central to political calculations, and any misstep could prove costly. It is within this context that the party must weigh its options and act in a manner that prioritizes collective success over individual ambition. Several candidates are jostling to fly the flag of the party by 2027. One of those strong contenders is our father, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is an elder statesman. Yes, he is widely regarded as an elder statesman whose experience in national politics commands respect. But I understand he won't contest. He shouldn't contest. I'm sure he understands that it's not yet the turn of the North to produce the next president. Yes, the current political climate suggests that it is not yet the turn of the North to produce Nigeria’s next president. At present, the South holds that advantage. The Southwest is occupying the position, while the South-South has previously produced a president, leaving the Southeast as the only region yet to do so. This reality is not lost on Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the ADC as a party is equally aware of it. ADC as a party knows this.
I know by hindsight that ADC already knows the right combination of candidates that can help it win the next election since it is aware that its overriding objective is to win the presidency, not to dance to the gallery.
I hope that, our father, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will heed the growing voices of reason reflected in the sentiments of the voting public, and wisely recuse himself from the race. By stepping aside, he would create room for the emergence of a more widely accepted and charismatic candidate capable of galvanizing national support. In doing so, he can still play a pivotal role by deploying his considerable resources and influence to back the party’s eventual flag bearer. Such a decision would not only demonstrate statesmanship but would also earn him the gratitude of many Nigerians..
But if ADC decides to let the ticket go to the North via Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, then they'll have drawn the final nail on their coffin. The consequences will be grave and suicidal. The party's popularity rating will drop; its chances will become very slim and its influence will wane into oblivion. Let me emphasize this again: if the ADC chooses to field a northern candidate through him, it risks severe political consequences. Such a move could significantly diminish the party’s popularity, weaken its electoral chances, and ultimately erode its relevance. The party must be mindful of this potential outcome and avoid a path that could lead to its decline.
ADC must avoid the critical error of the PDP prior to the 2023 election. They allowed one man's ambition to ruin the chances and life of the party. As I write, PDP is yet to recover from that mistake. The blind man is not supposed to allow his bambara nut get burnt twice. If it burns for the first time, that can be excused as a mistake but if it happens a second, there is only word to describe that- deliberate foolishness.
Unless they want to make it easier for the APC to coast to victory unchallenged, ADC must choose wisely taking into cognizance the direction of the mood of many in Nigeria. They should look at the body language of many Nigerians about whom they truly want to be their president now.
One man's greed should not be allowed to triumph over the needs of the party. His Excellency, Senator Dr. David Mark, a seasoned strategist, undoubtedly understands the gravity of this moment and the choices that must be made.
Shalom!
© Ogiri John Ogiri
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