ADC Presidential Primaries: ‘No Zoning, No Consensus’, El-Rufai Declares

Former Kaduna governor says all aspirants will contest freely as party drafts manifesto and election roadmap

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not apply zoning or adopt any consensus arrangement in selecting its presidential candidate for the next general elections.

Speaking on Trust TV, El-Rufai stated that the party is designing a primary process that guarantees what he described as free, fair, and transparent participation for all aspirants — without imposition or pressure to step down.

He disclosed that the ADC leadership is simultaneously working on its manifesto and policy platform while engaging prospective presidential, governorship, and other aspirants to foster internal cohesion ahead of the primaries.

“At the top level, we are preparing our manifesto and our platform. We are also working on getting our presidential aspirants, governorship aspirants, and other aspirants to come together and agree on a process that will guarantee free and fair primaries,” he said.

El-Rufai emphasised that the party has resolved not to rotate the ticket by region or broker backroom agreements.

“There will be no zoning, no consensus, and no forcing anyone to step down. Everyone will be given the opportunity to contest, and whoever wins will be supported by all,” he added.

He also rejected suggestions that the ADC lacks grassroots presence, arguing that the party’s reach is expanding across the country.

“If you don’t think the ADC has grassroots support, ask some members of the National Assembly to go to their constituencies without gathering soldiers and police to guard them,” El-Rufai said.

The remarks come as political parties begin early positioning ahead of the next election cycle, with internal democracy and candidate selection processes expected to shape emerging alliances and voter perceptions.