Politics
2027 Presidency: Five Top Issues That May Shape ADC Zoning
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nigeria is navigating a complex political landscape as it prepares for the 2027 elections, particularly with its zoning strategy for selecting candidates, especially for the presidential ticket.
Zoning, a practice in Nigerian politics to rotate key political positions across geopolitical zones for equitable representation, is critical for the ADC as it integrates high-profile politicians like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Below are five top issues that may shape ADC’s zoning policy: …Click link for full list
1. Pressure to Balance Regional Representation
The ADC’s coalition with prominent figures like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi creates pressure to zone the presidential ticket fairly across regions. The party must balance zoning with maintaining unity, considering an open primary or specific zone allocation. The National Executive Committee (NEC) will play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
2. Ethnic Sensitivities and National Unity
Nigeria’s diverse ethnic landscape makes zoning a delicate issue. The ADC’s constitution emphasises inclusivity, but zoning decisions may favor larger ethnic groups, potentially marginalising smaller ones. The party must craft a policy that promotes national unity and addresses ethnic tensions.
3. Zoning vs. Merit-Based Selection
The ADC prioritises grassroots-based structure and merit-driven governance over traditional zoning. However, public sentiment suggests skepticism about moving away from zoning, which could impact the party’s appeal in regions expecting rotational representation. The ADC must balance its ideology with voter expectations.
4. Weak Institutional Capacity
With limited National Assembly members and no governors or senators, the ADC lacks the institutional strength to implement zoning effectively. The party’s reliance on defections for growth and limited presence in states like Oyo hampers its ability to enforce equitable zoning across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
5. Youth and Gender Inclusion in Zoning Decisions
The ADC’s commitment to allocating 50% of leadership positions to youth and women, as championed by leaders like Rauf Aregbesola, adds complexity to its zoning strategy. Integrating these demographics into zoned roles, such as gubernatorial or National Assembly candidacies, requires balancing regional representation with the party’s progressive agenda.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has appointed Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, popularly known as Wolekanle, as his new Chief of Staff, following the resignation of Segun Ogunwuyi.
Makinde also appointed Mrs Aderonke Adedayo, his Special Adviser on General Intervention and Donor Agencies, as Director-General of the Due Process Office.
The appointments were announced in letters signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, on Monday.
Akinwole, a grassroots politician, previously served as Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission.
Adedayo will combine her new responsibilities as Director-General of the Due Process Office with her existing role as Special Adviser on General Intervention and Donor Agencies.
Both appointments take immediate effect.
The governor congratulated the appointees and urged them to discharge their duties with loyalty, commitment and dedication to the service of Oyo State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to release the final list of candidates contesting the February 6, 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, with eight states excluded from the governorship poll.
According to The Nation, the commission is scheduled to publish the final list on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in line with Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.
There are 8 affected states where governorship elections will not hold as part of the February 2027 electoral exercise because they operate on separate election schedules.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed during a world press conference and stakeholders’ meeting that 21 of Nigeria’s 22 registered political parties nominated 936 governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the 28 states scheduled to elect governors in 2027.
The parties also nominated 9,692 candidates for the State Houses of Assembly elections.
Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 requires INEC to publish the names and addresses of nominated candidates at least 60 days before an election.
The law also provides a procedure for political parties to notify the commission if a candidate’s name is missing from the published list.
Under Section 32(2), such notification must be submitted in writing, signed by the party’s national chairman and secretary, and supported by an affidavit within 14 days of publication.
Although governorship elections will not take place in the eight excluded states during the February 2027 exercise, State House of Assembly elections are scheduled across all 36 states.
The commission’s final list is expected to provide further details of the candidates and political parties participating in the elections.
INEC had earlier set September 19, 2026, as the deadline for substituting candidates and September 26, 2026, as the final date for submitting nomination forms.
The publication of the final list will be an important step in preparations for the 2027 elections, as political parties and candidates move towards the next phase of campaigning.
new Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs).
The Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointments of new Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs).
The Governor also approved the appointment of Alhaji Moshood Kewuyemi as the Chief Imam of the Government House Mosque.
The new SSAs include:
Ms. Folashade Ogunoye, SSA Gender
Alhaji Aminu Saidi Tunde, SSA Islamic Religion Affairs
Rev. Tunde Ogunsuyi, SSA Christian Religion Affairs
Kemisola Obamoyegun, SSA Housing
Dr. Oluwatobi Aruwajoye, SSA Primary Health
Alhaja Mohammed Sikirat Idera, SSA Muslim Women Affairs
Mrs Ehuwa Victoria Olufunke, SSA Christian Women Affairs
Alhaja Fauzart Gidado, SSA Women Mobilisation (Central).
And, others.
The appointments take immediate effect.
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