The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a new power-sharing framework aimed at keeping Nigeria’s opposition united ahead of the 2027 presidential election, amid rising concerns over internal rivalry.
The proposal, described as a “collegiate system,” is designed to move away from winner-takes-all politics and promote collective leadership even after the emergence of a presidential candidate.
The key figure in the party’s reform drive, Lukman Salihu, disclosed the plan on Monday while speaking on The Morning Show on Arise TV.
He said the initiative would ensure that governance, if the party wins power, is anchored on teamwork rather than individual dominance.
“The new framework we are trying to put together is a collegiate framework. It is not a framework where one person will be the winner of everything,” Salihu said.
“Our leaders are committed to ensure that if we produce the next government, it is not going to be like an emperor presiding over an empire… It will be a collegiate team spirit, whereby all decisions will be taken jointly.”
The development comes as political competition intensifies among opposition figures, including Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi, whose supporters have continued to push rival agendas.
However, Salihu dismissed suggestions that the growing tension signals division within the opposition.
“What you are seeing is contestation, and when you have politics without contestation, then it is no longer politics,” he said.
Explaining the model further, Salihu said the framework is designed to keep all aspirants engaged, regardless of the outcome of the primaries.
“One person will emerge, but will emerge as part of a team, not someone who defeats others and pushes them out of the race,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that key figures would remain committed to the process.
“I do not see him (Amaechi) walking away if someone else emerges victorious. He will remain part of the same collegiate system,” he added.
The ADC chieftain disclosed that the party has already developed its governance blueprint, anchored on a manifesto adopted at its last convention.
“The party set up a 50-member committee to work out its policies and manifesto. As we speak today, the manifesto has been adopted at the last convention,” he said.
“The manifesto is all about ensuring citizen-centred governance, whereby all the issues confronting Nigerians are addressed.”
He noted that internal disputes had delayed its public presentation but assured that the process would soon be concluded.
Salihu said the party is also working on a structured screening process for aspirants to ensure credibility and public acceptance.
“Part of what we also want to do is to ensure that we put in place a process whereby the screening of candidates follows a particular framework that will ensure that the best and the most acceptable to the citizens emerge,” he stated.
He criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress, accusing it of drifting from its founding ideals.
“To see where the APC is today is quite disappointing… all the so-called consensus arrangements across the states have collapsed,” he said.
“Instead of parties regulating elected officials, elected officials now regulate parties.”
According to him, restoring internal discipline and strengthening party structures are central to the opposition’s strategy.
“Having a collegiate system ensures that party organs work and regulate the conduct of elected representatives,” Salihu said.
On groups and individuals yet to join the coalition, Salihu maintained that participation remains voluntary.
“It is entirely their choice not to be there, and we respect that,” he said.
Despite ongoing tensions, he expressed optimism that the opposition would rally behind a single candidate.
“We are ready to confront the situation as it is, and we believe the Nigerian people will make the right choice at the end,” he
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