Former Kaduna State governor and leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nasir El-Rufai, has stated that the party will not zone its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that all aspirants will be allowed to compete in an open and transparent primary.
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV about the ADC’s electoral plans, El-Rufai said the party is intensifying mobilisation efforts across all levels, from polling units and wards to the national leadership, as part of its strategy to emerge as a strong contender in the next elections.
Addressing concerns about the party’s visibility and reach amid stiff political rivalry, El-Rufai rejected claims that the ADC is inactive, insisting that extensive groundwork is already underway.
“We are mobilising. A lot of work is going on at different layers. We are mobilising very aggressively at the grassroots — at polling unit and ward levels,” he said.
He contrasted the ADC’s grassroots engagement with what he described as the growing disconnect between some lawmakers of the ruling party and their constituents.
“Ask members of the National Assembly from the APC if they can freely visit their constituencies. Only a few can. When some of them go, they need heavy security because people are angry. That is why many cannot return home on weekends or visit their constituencies,” El-Rufai remarked.
According to him, the ADC has tapped into widespread public frustration and is harnessing that discontent to build momentum from the grassroots upward.
No Zoning, Open Race For Aspirants
On the contentious issue of zoning ahead of 2027, El-Rufai was clear in his position, ruling out any form of power rotation or imposition.
“We will not have zoning. There will be no consensus and no forcing anyone to step down. Everyone will be given the opportunity to contest, and whoever emerges will receive the support of all,” he stated.
He explained that the party is focused on ensuring unity among its presidential, gubernatorial and other aspirants by committing to a process that guarantees free, fair, and credible primaries without coercion.
“At the top level, we are preparing our manifesto and platform. We are also working to bring all our aspirants together to agree on a process that ensures free and fair primaries,” he added.
El-Rufai further challenged sceptics to measure the ADC’s grassroots appeal against that of some ruling party politicians.
“If you think the ADC lacks grassroots support, ask some National Assembly members to visit their constituencies without being surrounded by soldiers and police,” he said.