As the African Democratic Congress, ADC, prepares to embark on its presidential primaries, the party has appointed two former governors, Liyel Imoke and Abdulfatah Ahmed, to lead its presidential primary committees, setting the stage for a potentially transformative leadership contest. The appointment, announced on Monday, May 18, 2026, by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, marks a significant milestone in the party's efforts to establish a robust and credible electoral process. With Imoke chairing the Presidential Screening Committee and Ahmed heading the Presidential Election Committee, the ADC is signaling its commitment to a transparent and fair primary process. As reported by Vanguard News, the party's choice of Imoke and Ahmed is seen as a strategic move to leverage their experience and expertise in governance to drive the party's electoral ambitions. According to Leadership Newspaper, the appointment of these former governors is expected to bring a level of gravitas and credibility to the party's primaries. The ADC's decision to appoint Imoke and Ahmed has been welcomed by many within the party, who see it as a positive step towards ensuring a smooth and credible primary process. As the party looks to the future, the appointment of these committees is a crucial step in shaping the party's leadership and direction.

The Road to the Primaries: A Complex Landscape of Challenges and Opportunities

The ADC's presidential primaries are taking place against a complex backdrop of political, economic, and social challenges. As noted by Politics Nigeria, the party's decision to appoint Imoke and Ahmed to lead its presidential primary committees is a reflection of its efforts to navigate this challenging landscape. With the country's economy facing significant headwinds, including inflation and unemployment, the ADC's presidential aspirants will need to articulate compelling visions for addressing these challenges. According to The Guardian Nigeria News, the party's choice of Imoke and Ahmed is seen as a strategic move to strengthen its electoral prospects. The ADC's presidential primary committees will play a critical role in shaping the party's leadership and direction, and their appointment is a significant development in the party's efforts to build a credible and competitive presidential candidate. As the party's presidential aspirants begin to campaign, they will need to engage with the complex issues facing the country, including the economy, security, and social inequality. The ADC's presidential primaries are expected to be highly competitive, with several aspirants vying for the party's ticket. The party's choice of Imoke and Ahmed to lead its presidential primary committees is seen as a positive step towards ensuring a fair and transparent primary process.

The Screening and Election Committees: A Delicate Balance of Power and Responsibility

The ADC's Presidential Screening Committee, chaired by Imoke, is tasked with vetting the party's presidential aspirants and ensuring that they meet the party's eligibility criteria. As reported by Vanguard News, the committee includes several notable members, including Cyril Maduabum as Secretary, Alhaji Lawal Batagarawa, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, Nnena Elendu-Ukeje, Prof. David Salifu, and retired Col. Abubakar Ciroma. The committee's work will be critical in shaping the party's presidential primary process, and its decisions will have a significant impact on the party's electoral prospects. According to Leadership Newspaper, the committee's members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles, and are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the primary process. The Presidential Election Committee, headed by Ahmed, will be responsible for organizing and conducting the party's presidential primary elections. As noted by Politics Nigeria, the committee includes Prof. Yisa Gana as Secretary, alongside retired Maj.-Gen. Adamu Jalingo, Dr Auwalu Anwar, Chief Emenike Ikechi, Dr Macaulay Iyare, Tajudeen Bakare, Elder Ubolo Itodo Okpanachi, Zainab Buba Galadima, Uzoamaka Onyeama, and Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Inuwa Idris as members. The committee's work will be critical in ensuring that the party's presidential primaries are free, fair, and transparent.

The Cultural and Social Dimension: Identity, Values, and the Grassroots

The ADC's presidential primaries are not just about the candidates; they are also about the party's identity and values. As reported by The Guardian Nigeria News, the party's choice of Imoke and Ahmed to lead its presidential primary committees is seen as a reflection of its commitment to promoting democratic values and principles. The party's presidential aspirants will need to articulate a compelling vision for the country that resonates with the values and aspirations of the Nigerian people. According to Vanguard News, the ADC's presidential primaries are expected to be highly competitive, with several aspirants vying for the party's ticket. The party's presidential primary committees will play a critical role in shaping the party's leadership and direction, and their appointment is a significant development in the party's efforts to build a credible and competitive presidential candidate. As the party's presidential aspirants begin to campaign, they will need to engage with the complex issues facing the country, including the economy, security, and social inequality.

Future Implications: A Blueprint for Success or a Recipe for Disaster?

As the ADC's presidential primaries approach, the party's leadership is faced with significant challenges and opportunities. The appointment of Imoke and Ahmed to lead the party's presidential primary committees is a significant development in the party's efforts to build a credible and competitive presidential candidate. According to Politics Nigeria, the party's choice of Imoke and Ahmed is seen as a strategic move to strengthen its electoral prospects. As the party looks to the future, the success of its presidential primaries will depend on its ability to navigate the complex landscape of challenges and opportunities facing the country. The ADC's presidential primary committees will play a critical role in shaping the party's leadership and direction, and their work will have a significant impact on the party's electoral prospects. As the party's presidential aspirants begin to campaign, they will need to articulate compelling visions for addressing the country's challenges, and the party's leadership will need to ensure that the primary process is free, fair, and transparent. With the right leadership and direction, the ADC's presidential primaries have the potential to be a game-changer in Nigerian politics, but the party's leadership will need to navigate the complex challenges and opportunities facing the country to achieve success.



As the party moves forward, it is clear that the appointment of Imoke and Ahmed is a significant step towards achieving its electoral ambitions, and the party's presidential primary committees will play a critical role in shaping the party's leadership and direction. The success of the ADC's presidential primaries will depend on the party's ability to balance the competing demands of its various stakeholders, while maintaining its commitment to democratic values and principles. Ultimately, the ADC's presidential primaries will be a test of the party's leadership and its ability to navigate the complex challenges and opportunities facing the country.