Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has met with leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the South-East in what is widely seen as a strategic move ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primary.
The meeting, held Tuesday night at the Abuja residence of Chikwe Udensi, brought together key ADC stakeholders and prominent Igbo political figures. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party described the engagement as “crucial” to defining its strategic direction and forging alliances ahead of the primaries.
Those in attendance included Senator Augustine Akobundu; Chief Chekwas Okorie; former Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba; Dr. Osita Oruche; Prof. Onyi Nwagbara; Chief Uchenna Okogbuo; former ADC National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu; Hon. Uzoma Abonta; Hon. Uko Nkole; Etigwe Uwah; Dr. Steve Nwadiuko; Chief Morris Eboh; Senator Frank Ibezim; and Dr. Dave Eboh.
While details of the discussions were not made public, the outreach is interpreted as part of broader political realignments within the opposition space as aspirants position themselves for the party’s ticket. The South-East remains a critical bloc in national coalition-building calculations, particularly with multiple contenders seeking to expand their regional appeal.
The consultations come as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) enforces a revised electoral timetable that sets a 91-day window for political parties to conduct and conclude their primaries.
According to INEC, presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027. Party primaries, including dispute resolution processes, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, stated that the revised timetable followed amendments to the Electoral Act 2026. The commission also reminded parties to submit digital membership registers at least 21 days before holding any primary, congress or convention, warning that failure to comply could attract sanctions, including disqualification.
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