Leading presidential aspirants under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, are poised to sign a unity pact to support whoever emerges as the party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2027 general election.

The agreement, already reached in principle, is contingent on the conduct of a transparent and credible primary process, which all parties must jointly define. A final accord will be signed once there is consensus on what constitutes a fair and open internal election.

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, confirmed the development, emphasizing the need for clarity and trust in the primary process.

“What we agreed in principle is that whoever emerges from a transparent primary will be supported by everyone,” Amaechi said.

“But first, we need to sit down and define what we mean by transparent, it’s easy for someone to hijack the process and still call it transparent.”

Interim ADC national chairman, Senator David Mark, reiterated the party’s commitment to internal democracy, assuring members that no candidate has been anointed ahead of the primaries.

 “We will be absolutely transparent,” Mark declared on July 8, amid increasing internal lobbying and speculation.

The ADC has recently attracted high-profile political figures. Both former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have publicly declared interest in contesting the 2027 election under the ADC umbrella.

Atiku, while addressing Gombe State stakeholders in Abuja last weekend, hinted at a fresh presidential bid but denied reports that he was urged to step down for a southern aspirant.

Peter Obi, in a recent media interview, confirmed his intention to run, and dismissed rumors that he was negotiating a vice-presidential position, stating that no such discussions had occurred.

Supporters of both men, who were running mates in 2019, have begun ramping up campaigns on social media platforms in anticipation of the primaries. Amaechi, who contested the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket in 2023 and lost to President Bola Tinubu, has also officially joined the ADC and declared his ambition.

In contrast, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has publicly stated he holds no presidential ambition at the moment.