2027: ADP in spotlight, held strategic NEC meeting amidst speculative merger

Opposition leaders in Nigeria are actively exploring the Action Democratic Party (ADP) as a potential alternative platform, alongside other parties, ahead of the 2027 general elections, as uncertainty room in African Democratic Party (ADC).

…As INEC held verification exercises for the party

Sources close to ADP told BusinessDay that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other key Nigerian opposition figures have engaged in high-level talks with Yabagi Yusuf Sani, the national chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), as part of Plan B for the 2027 general election.

“ADP is cooking something and the party will surprise Nigeria in 2027. Notable opposition leaders have been having series of meetings with the ADP National Chairman Sani Yabagi Yusuf, that is why, been a wise person, he called for this NEC meeting first of its kind since the beginning of this year. He is trying to avoid what is happening in ADC before the merger that is why INEC is also here for the verification exercises. Remember, this party has national spread because we have chairmen in the 36 states of the federation. The source said.

Early this year, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar held a high-level consultative meeting with Yabagi Yusuf Sani and other ADP senior executives at his Abuja residence, aimed at building a united front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

In a recent interview with BusinessDay, Yabagi Sani confirmed that the ADP was engaging with key stakeholders, including Atiku, to explore collaborative efforts for 2027, focusing on strengthening opposition stability and avoiding last-minute coalition struggles.

He said these conversations are focused on defending democracy and providing an alternative to the APC, rather than an immediate merger or official recruitment of individuals into the party.

Squarely, ADP held a strategic NEC meeting on Wednesday in Abuja at ADP National Secretariat.

Addressing NEC members at the party National Secretariat, Yabagi said the party has over the past months, taken deliberate steps to reposition ADP as a credible, disciplined, and forward-looking political platform.

“We have strengthened our internal structures, expanded our membership base across all states and wards, and commenced the digitisation of our processes through our online portal, ensuring transparency, accessibility, and inclusiveness.

“The Action Democratic Party is no longer a peripheral player—we are steadily emerging as the credible alternative that Nigerians have been waiting for.

On electoral preparedness – 2027

The ADP National Chairman said, “As we look ahead to the 2027 General Elections, we must be guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the regulations of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“Our approach is clear, lawful, and strategic. We shall conduct consensus-based primaries, in full compliance with the law and ensure that our processes are transparent, fair, and inclusive. We shall present candidates who are credible, competent, and electable

“We are not just preparing to participate in elections—we are preparing to win responsibly and govern effectively.

The National Chairman emphasize that unity remains the foundation of the party strength.

“As we approach critical milestones—our National Convention, primaries, and eventual campaigns—we must conduct ourselves with discipline, mutual respect, and loyalty to the party.

“There is no room for division. There is no room for indiscipline. The interest of the party must always supersede individual ambition.”

On national issues, he said: “Nigeria today faces significant challenges—economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and declining public trust in governance.

“Our party stands firmly committed to offering practical solutions a people-centered economic framework that promotes inclusive growth. Strengthening of national security through institutional reform. Transparent governance anchored on accountability and rule of law.

“We believe Nigeria can work—and we are prepared to make it work.”

According to Yabagi, the National Executive Committee NEC agenda is to consider and deliberate on critical matters, including: adoption of the updated ADP Electoral Guidelines for 2027. Consideration of the proposed amendments to the Party Constitution and approval of the date and modalities for the National Convention as well as strengthening of compliance mechanisms in line with INEC requirements.

He urged all members to engage constructively, patriotically, and with a sense of urgency.

“The Action Democratic Party offers you a new pathway—one built on integrity, competence,

and national unity. This is your party. This is your platform. This is your moment. Join us,” he said.

Answering questions from journalists, Yusuf said the party was guided by the constitution of Nigeria which guarantees equal rights to every Nigerian to aspire to any office without any form of discrimination.

“We don’t need zoning at this stage of our national life. What we need is who will get it right for the country irrespective of religion, ethnic and social affiliations. We need to get our system right. Too much power is giving to a single person in country. Don’t blame president Bola Ahmed Tinubu or INEC Chairman. This system allowed them to do what they are doing. So only ADP can change this narrative if voted into power in 2027.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday charged political parties to always respect the commission as people’s servants

Masud Hassan, leader of INEC delegation, stated this while addressing ADP national, zonal and state officials during the commission annual verification exercises for political parties, held at the ADP National headquarters, Abuja.

“This is our constitutional duty. This verification is the commission annual duty, which is a must, to verify political parties’ claim, objectives and their offices as well as physical appearance to know who we are dealing with including humans and structural inspections.

According to Hassan, the verification requires present of all NWC members, composition of national workings committee in line with the party constitution, evidence of tenancy including receipt of payment of ownership, membership register including each state, local government, wards, pulling units, verification of evidence of staff, six copies of the party constitution and a copy of ADP certificate.

While welcoming INEC delegation, Sani Yabagi Yusuf, the ADP National Chairman acknowledged the critical role of political parties in forming government and urge INEC to sustain its support for political parties.

He assured INEC delegation of ADP cooperation to enable the commission deliver quality work to Nigerians.